Automated banking machine with slide mounted devices

ABSTRACT

Apparatus including an automated banking machine is operative to cause financial transfers responsive at least in part to data read from data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader that is operative to read card data usable to identify at least one of a user of the machine and a financial account. A computer associated with the machine is operative to cause card data to be read through operation of the card reader, and to cause a determination to be made that read card data corresponds to a financial account authorized to conduct a transaction through the machine. The computer is operative responsive at least in part to the determination to cause the financial account to be at least one of assessed and credited with a value associated with a financial transaction.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/680,932, filed on Apr. 7, 2015 that is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/072,257 filed Nov. 5, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No.8,998,078, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/419,932 filed Mar. 14, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,573,482, and claimsbenefit pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119{e) of Provisional Application No.61/465,240 filed Mar. 16, 2011. The contents of the aforementionedapplications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to automated banking machines that operateresponsive to data read from user cards and which may be classified inU.S. Class 235, Subclass 379.

BACKGROUND

Automated banking machines may include a card reader that operates toread data from a bearer record such as a user card. Automated bankingmachines may operate to cause the data read from the card to be comparedwith other computer stored data related to the bearer or their financialaccounts. The machine operates at least in part in response to thecomparison determining that the bearer record corresponds to anauthorized user and/or an authorized financial account, to carry out atleast one transaction which may be operative to transfer value to orfrom at least one financial account. A record of the transaction isoften printed through operation of the automated banking machine andprovided to the user. Automated banking machines may be used to carryout transactions such as dispensing cash, the making of deposits, thetransfer of funds between accounts and account balance inquiries. Thetypes of banking transactions that may be carried out are determined bythe capabilities of the particular banking machine and system, as wellas the programming of the institution operating the machine.

Other types of automated banking machines may be operated by merchantsto carry out commercial transactions. These transactions may include,for example, the acceptance of deposit bags, the receipt of checks orother financial instruments, the dispensing of rolled coin, or othertransactions required by merchants. Still other types of automatedbanking machines may be used by service providers in a transactionenvironment such as at a bank to carry out financial transactions. Suchtransactions may include for example, the counting and storage ofcurrency notes or other financial instrument sheets, and other types oftransactions. For purposes of this disclosure an automated bankingmachine, automated transaction machine or an automated teller machine(ATM) shall be deemed to include any machine that may be used toautomatically carry out transactions involving transfers of value.

Automated banking machines may benefit from improvements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an automated banking machine of anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the automated banking machine of FIG. 1with a rollout tray extended.

FIG. 3 is a side schematic view of an automated banking machineillustrating various banking machine components.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the automated banking machine of FIG. 1with a lower fascia in an accessible position.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the automated banking machine of FIG. 1with a lower fascia in an accessible position and a chest door in anopen position.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a top housing for an automated bankingmachine supporting a rollout tray in an extended position.

FIG. 7 is an isometric rear view of the automated banking machine ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a side schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of anautomated banking machine illustrating the alignment of an upper fasciaand a lower fascia.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an automated banking machine similar toFIG. 5 showing the chest door selectively engaged with the lower fascia.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of a chest for anautomated banking machine, as viewed from the front.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the alternate embodiment of the chestshown in FIG. 10, as viewed from the rear.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a chest door illustrating a locking boltmechanism.

FIG. 13 is an isometric exploded view of an alternate embodiment of anautomated banking machine.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a top housing cover, a mounting tray andan upper fascia of an automated banking machine.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of an automatedbanking machine.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view, partly in phantom, of an alternateexemplary embodiment of an automated banking machine in an operationalcondition.

FIG. 17 is an isometric view, partly in phantom, of the automatedbanking machine of FIG. 16, in a serviceable condition.

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of an automated banking machine of anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a further isometric view of the automated banking machine ofthe exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of an automated banking machine of anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a plan view of an automated banking machine of an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 22 is a plan view of an automated banking machine of an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 23 is an elevation view, partly in phantom, of a portion of anautomated banking machine of an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 24 is an isometric view of an automated banking machine of anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a view of a portion of an automated banking machine of anexemplary embodiment illustrating a component case assembled into a tophousing.

FIG. 26 is an isometric view of a portion of an automated bankingmachine of an exemplary embodiment illustrating a component case incombination with a duct assembly.

FIG. 27 is an exploded isometric view of the automated banking machineof the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is an isometric view of a duct assembly portion of an automatedbanking machine of an exemplary embodiment illustrating the details ofthe duct assembly.

FIG. 29 is an isometric view of a portion of a duct assembly portion anda portion of a component case portion of an automated banking machine ofan exemplary embodiment illustrating the details of the duct assemblyand component case.

FIG. 30 is a partial section view taken along the line 30-30 of FIG. 26.

FIG. 31 is an isometric view of a portion of an exemplary automatedbanking machine illustrating a fascia assembly and a support.

FIG. 32 is an exploded isometric view of a portion of the exemplaryautomated banking machine of FIG. 31 illustrating the fascia assemblyand the support.

FIG. 33 is an isometric view of a portion of an exemplary automatedbanking machine illustrating portions of a fascia assembly and asupport.

FIG. 34 is an isometric view of a portion of an exemplary automatedbanking machine illustrating portions of a fascia assembly and asupport.

FIG. 35 is a front and left side isometric view of a portion of anexemplary automated banking machine illustrating a first slide mountedto the right bracket of the housing of the machine.

FIG. 36 is a front and right side isometric view of the portion of theexemplary automated banking machine of FIG. 35.

FIG. 37 is a front and right side isometric view of the right bracket ofthe housing of the exemplary automated banking machine of FIG. 35.

FIG. 38 is an enlarged front and right side isometric view of theportion of the right bracket as indicated in FIG. 37.

FIG. 39 is an enlarged front and right side isometric view of theportion of the right bracket as indicated in FIG. 37.

FIGS. 40 and 41 are rear and left side isometric views of portions ofthe left bracket of the exemplary automated banking machine of FIG. 35.

FIG. 42 is an enlarged front and right side isometric view of theportion of the exemplary automated banking machine as indicated in FIG.36.

FIG. 43 is an enlarged front and right side isometric view of theportion of the exemplary automated banking machine as indicated in FIG.36.

FIGS. 44 and 45 are rear and left side isometric views of portions ofthe left bracket with the second slide mounted thereto of the exemplaryautomated banking machine of FIG. 35.

FIG. 46 is a side schematic view of the exemplary automated bankingmachine illustrating the rollout tray in the extended position of arear-loaded configuration.

FIG. 47 is a front and left side isometric view of a portion of theexemplary automated banking machine of FIG. 46 illustrating the secondslide mounted to the right bracket of the housing of the machine.

FIG. 48 is a front and right side isometric view of the portion of theexemplary automated banking machine of FIG. 47.

FIG. 49 is an enlarged front and right side isometric view of theportion of the right bracket as indicated in FIG. 47.

FIG. 50 is an enlarged front and right side isometric view of theportion of the right bracket as indicated in FIG. 47.

FIGS. 51 and 52 are rear and left side isometric views of portions ofthe left bracket with the first slide mounted thereto of the exemplaryautomated banking machine of FIG. 46.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1-2, there isshown therein an automated banking machine of a first exemplaryembodiment, generally indicated 10. In this exemplary embodiment,automated banking machine 10 is an automated teller machine (ATM).Machine 10 includes a top housing 12 having side walls 14 and 16, andtop wall 18. Housing 12 encloses an interior area indicated 20. Housing12 has a front opening 22. In this exemplary embodiment, the rear ofhousing 12 is closed by a rear wall 19, shown in FIG. 7. However, inother embodiments, the rear of housing 12 may be accessible through anaccess door or similar device. Top housing 12 is used to house certainbanking machine components such as input and output devices.

With reference to FIG. 3, in this exemplary embodiment the input devicesinclude a card reader schematically indicated 24. Card reader 24 isoperative to read a customer's card which includes indicia thereon. Theindicia may correspond to information about the customer and/orinformation about a customer's financial account, such as the customer'saccount number. In some embodiments the card reader 24 may be a cardreader adapted for reading magnetic stripe cards and/or so called “smartcards” which include a programmable memory. Other embodiments may readdata from cards wirelessly such as radio frequency identification (RFID)cards. Exemplary embodiments may include features of the type discussedin U.S. Pat. No. 7,118,031 the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety. Another input device in theexemplary embodiment includes input keys 26. Input keys 26 may in someembodiments, be arranged in a keypad or keyboard. Input keys 26 mayalternately or in addition include function keys or other types ofdevices for receiving manual inputs. It should be understood that invarious embodiments other types of input devices may be used such asbiometric readers, speech or voice recognition devices, inductance typereaders, infrared (IR) type readers, and other devices capable ofcommunicating with a person, article or computing device, radiofrequency type readers and other types of devices which are capable ofreceiving information that identifies a customer and/or their account.

The exemplary embodiment of machine 10 also includes output devicesproviding outputs to the customer. In the exemplary embodiment machine10 includes a display 28. Display 28 may include an LCD, CRT or othertype display that is capable of providing visible indicia to a customer.In other embodiments output devices may include devices such as audiospeakers, radio frequency (RF) transmitters, IR transmitters or othertypes of devices that are capable of providing outputs which may beperceived by a user either directly or through use of a computingdevice, article or machine. It should be understood that embodiments mayalso include combined input and output devices such as a touch screendisplay which is capable of providing outputs to a user as well asreceiving inputs.

The exemplary embodiment of the automated banking machine 10 alsoincludes a receipt printer schematically indicated 30. The receiptprinter is operative to print receipts for users reflecting transactionsconducted at the machine. Embodiments may also include other types ofprinting mechanisms such as statement printer mechanisms, ticketprinting mechanisms, check printing mechanisms and other devices thatoperate to apply indicia to media in the course of performingtransactions carried out with the machine.

Automated banking machine 10 further includes one or more processorsschematically indicated 33. Processor 33, alternately referred to as acomputer or a controller, is in operative connection with at least onememory or data store which is schematically indicated 34. The processor33 is operative to carry out programmed instructions to achieveoperation of the machine in accomplishing transactions. The processor 33is in operative connection with a plurality of the transaction functiondevices included in the machine.

The exemplary embodiment includes at least one communications device 36.The communications device 36 may be one or more of a plurality of typesof devices that enable the machine to communicate with other systems anddevices for purposes of carrying out transactions. For example,communications device 36 may include a modem for communicating messagesover a data line or wireless network with one or more other computersthat operate to transfer data representative of the transfer of funds inresponse to transactions conducted at the machine. Alternately thecommunications device 36 may include various types of networkinterfaces, line drivers or other devices suitable to enablecommunication between the machine 10 and other computers and systems.Exemplary embodiments may include features like those disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 7,266,526 the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

Machine 10 further includes a safe or chest 40 enclosing a secure area42. Secure area 42 is used in the exemplary embodiment to house criticalcomponents and valuable documents. Specifically in the exemplaryembodiment secure area 42 is used for housing currency, currencydispensers, currency stackers, and other banking machine components. Forpurposes of this disclosure a cash dispenser or a currency dispensershall include any mechanism that makes currency stored within themachine accessible from outside the machine. Cash dispensers may includefeatures of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,261,236; 7,240,829;7,114,006; 7,140,607 and 6,945,526 the disclosures of each of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Chest 40 includes achest housing 44 including a top wall 46 having an upper surface 48outside of the secure area 42. Top housing 12 is supported on the chest40 such that the secure area 42 is generally below the interior area 20.

Chest 40 also includes a chest door 50 that is moveably mounted insupporting connection with the housing. Chest door 50, shown in theclosed position in FIG. 4 and in an open condition in FIG. 5, isgenerally closed to secure the contents of the chest 40. In thisexemplary embodiment, the chest door 50 is used to close a first opening52 at a first end 54 of the chest housing 44. In other embodiments thechest opening and door may have other configurations. In the exemplaryembodiment, chest door 50 includes a first device opening 56therethrough and cooperates with mechanisms inside and outside the chestfor passing currency or other items between a customer and deviceslocated inside the chest 40.

Referring again to FIG. 3, machine 10 also includes a plurality ofsensing devices for sensing various conditions in the machine. Thesevarious sensing devices are represented schematically by component 58for simplicity and to facilitate understanding. It should be understoodthat a plurality of sensing devices is provided in the machine forsensing and indicating to the processor 33 the status of devices withinthe machine.

Exemplary automated banking machine 10 further includes a plurality ofactuators schematically indicated 60 and 62. The actuators may comprisea plurality of devices such as motors, solenoids, cylinders, rotaryactuators and other types of devices that are operated responsive to theprocessor 33. It should be understood that numerous components withinthe automated banking machine are operated by actuators positioned inoperative connection therewith. Actuators 60 and 62 are shown toschematically represent such actuators in the machine and to facilitateunderstanding.

Machine 10 further comprises at least one currency dispenser mechanism64 housed in secure area 42. The currency dispensing mechanism 64 isoperative responsive to the processor 33 to pick currency sheets from astack of sheets 66 housed in one or more canisters 68. The pickedcurrency sheets may be arranged by a currency stacker mechanism 70 forpresentation through a delivery mechanism 74 which operates to present astack of notes or other documents to a customer.

When chest door 50 is in the closed position, at least an end portion ofa sheet delivery mechanism 74 extends through first opening 56 in thechest door 50. In response to operation of the processor 33, when adesired number of currency sheets have been collected in a stack, thestack is moved through delivery mechanism 74.

As the sheets are moved through delivery mechanism 74 toward the firstopening 56, the controller 32 operates a suitable actuating device tooperate a gate 78 so as to enable the stack of sheets to pass outwardthrough the opening. As a result the user is enabled to receive thesheets from the machine. After a user is sensed as having removed thestack from the opening, the controller may operate to close the gate 78so as to minimize the risk of tampering with the machine.

With reference to FIG. 2, in this exemplary embodiment, machine 10further includes a rollout tray 80. Rollout tray 80 is moveably mountedin supporting connection with slides 84.

The slides 84 enable movement of the rollout tray 80 between theextended position shown in FIG. 2 and a retracted position within theinterior area 20 of the top housing 12. Rollout tray 80 in the exemplaryembodiment may be similar to that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,616, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference as if fully rewrittenherein.

Rollout tray 80 may have several upper banking machine componentssupported thereon including card reader 24, input keys 26, display 28,receipt printer 30, and other components as appropriate for theparticular machine 10.

This exemplary embodiment further includes an upper fascia 86 insupporting connection with rollout tray 80. The upper fascia 86 mayinclude user interface openings such as a card opening 88 through whicha customer operating the machine 10 may insert a credit, debit or othercard, or a receipt delivery slot 90 through which printed transactionsreceipts may be delivered to the customer. Rollout tray 80 moveablysupports upper fascia 86 relative to the top housing 12 so that upperfascia 86 is movable between a first position covering the front openingand a second position in which the upper fascia is disposed from thefront opening 22.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, in the operative condition of machine 10, therollout tray 80 is retracted into the interior area 20 of the housing12. Upper fascia 86 operates to close front opening 22 and provide anattractive appearance for machine 10, while allowing a customer to inputinformation and receive outputs from machine 10.

With reference to FIG. 6, in this exemplary embodiment, the forward-mostparts of side walls 14 and 16 and top wall 18 of housing 12define aforward region 94, shown in dashed lines, bounding the front opening 22.In this exemplary embodiment, upper fascia 86 includes a rearwardlyextending portion 98, also shown in dashed lines. Rearwardly extendingportion 98 is dimensioned to overlie in generally surrounding relation,the forward region 94 when rollout tray 80 is retracted and upper fascia86 is in the first position. In some embodiments the rearwardlyextending portion may be contoured or tapered so as to extend furtherinwardly with increasing proximity to the front of the fascia. Suchtapered control may engage and help to close and/or align the fascia andthe top housing 12.

With reference to FIG. 7, when machine 10 is viewed from the rear, theremay be a first gap 100 separating the rearwardly extending portion 98 ofupper fascia 86 from the top housing 12. In some embodiments it may bedesirable that first gap 100 be minimal to prevent unauthorized accessto interior area 20. First gap 100 in the exemplary embodiment is notvisible when machine 10 is viewed from the front.

In this exemplary embodiment, the upper fascia 86 is formed of a plasticmaterial and the top housing 12 is formed of sheet metal. Alternately,the extending portion 98 or forward portion 94 shown in FIG. 6, or both,may include resilient materials to provide for engagement and sealing ofthe housing and the fascia in the closed position. However, othermaterials may be chosen, and these approaches are exemplary.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the exemplary embodiment furtherincludes a lower fascia 110 moveably mounted on the chest housing 44. Inthis exemplary embodiment, lower fascia 110 is operable to move betweena covering position as illustrated in FIG. 1, and an accessible positionas illustrated in FIGS. 4-5. In other applications, it may be preferableto provide a selectively removable lower fascia, or other approaches tosupporting the lower fascia on the chest portion.

The exemplary lower fascia 110 operates to cover the chest 40 to therebyprovide a more attractive appearance to machine 10. In the exemplaryembodiment, lower fascia 110 includes a front face 112 and first andsecond side extensions 114, 116, respectively.

In the exemplary embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, chest housing44 includes first and second side walls 120, 122, respectively. Firstside wall 120 includes a forward portion 124 and second side wallincludes a forward portion 126 (shown in phantom in FIG. 7). When thechest door 50 is in the closed position and the lower fascia 110 is inthe covering position, the first and second side extensions 114, 116,respectively, overlie forward portions 124, 126.

Thus, when machine 10 is viewed from the front (see FIG. 1), the lowerfascia 110 covers the chest 40 from side to side. When machine 10 isviewed from the rear (see FIG. 7), a lower gap (not shown) between thefirst side extension 114 and the first side wall 120 of the chesthousing 44 and a lower gap 130 between the second side extension and 116the second side wall 122 may be visible, although such lower gaps arenot viewable from the front of machine 10. In some applications, it maybe desirable to minimize the lower gaps 130.

As best illustrated in FIG. 8, in the exemplary embodiment, therearwardly extending portion 98 of upper fascia 86 includes a rearwardfacing end edge 134. Also, in the exemplary embodiment, first sideextension 114 of lower fascia 110 includes rearward facing end edge 138.When viewed from the first side of machine 10, in the exemplaryembodiment, end edge 134 of upper fascia 86 and end edge 138 of lowerfascia 110 are substantially vertically aligned along a first side ofmachine 10 when the upper fascia 86 is in the first position and thelower fascia 110 is in the covering position.

With continued reference to FIG. 8, in the exemplary embodiment, upperfascia 86 is bounded by a lower surface 140. Lower fascia 110 is boundedby an upper surface 142. In the exemplary embodiment, lower surface 140is adapted for substantial parallel horizontal alignment with uppersurface 142 when the upper fascia 86 is in the first position and thelower fascia 110 is in the covering position. The alignment of thefascia surfaces presents an attractive appearance to machine 10.

In this exemplary embodiment, the rearwardly extending portion 98further operates to simplify the manufacture and assembly of the machine10. In some previous machines, it was necessary to more preciselycontrol the alignment of the walls of the upper fascia 86 with theperimeter of the front opening. However, in this disclosed exemplaryembodiment, because the rearwardly extending portion 98 overlies theforward region 94, the required precision is lessened. Further, in thoseembodiments which include a tapered engagement, alignment of the tophousing 12 and upper fascia 86 is facilitated.

With particular reference to FIG. 5, lower fascia 110 may include anaccess opening 118 therein. In this exemplary embodiment, access opening118 in the lower fascia 110 is adapted to be substantially aligned withfirst device opening 56 in chest door 50 when chest door is closed andlower fascia 110 is in the covering position. In this exemplaryembodiment, when the chest door 50 is closed and lower fascia 110 is inthe covering position, at least an end portion of sheet deliverymechanism 74 extends in the first device opening 56 in chest door 50 andaccess opening 118 in lower fascia 110.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, in this exemplary embodiment, machine10 includes a first locking mechanism 146 for selectively retaining therollout tray 80 in the retracted position when upper fascia 86 coversthe front opening 22. The first locking mechanism may be of the typedescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,616 the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In the exemplary embodiment, machine 10 also includes a second lockingmechanism 148 for selectively securing lower fascia 110 in the coveringposition.

With particular reference to FIGS. 4, 5 and 9, in another exemplaryembodiment machine 10 may include a top housing 12 as previouslydescribed. Machine 10 further includes chest 40 having chest door 50mounted to the housing 44 by one or more chest door hinge assemblies152. Lower fascia 110 is moveably mounted to chest housing 44 by one ormore fascia hinges 154. In this exemplary embodiment, fascia hinge 154and chest door hinge assembly 152 are situated on the same side of thechest housing 44 so that lower fascia 110 and chest door 50 pivotgenerally in the same direction relative to the chest.

From time to time, the banking machine components enclosed within secureenclosure 42 must be accessed for replenishment or other servicingactivity. Thus, lower fascia 110 may be selectively moved from acovering position into an accessible position to allow access to chestdoor 50. Chest door 50 may then be selectively opened.

In this exemplary embodiment, as best seen in FIG. 9, lower fascia 110is operable to engage the open chest door 50 to prevent its movementback to a closed position. In this exemplary embodiment, lower fascia110 includes an inwardly directed flange 156 carried on an inner surfaceat a side opposite the fascia hinge 154. Inwardly directed flange 156 isdimensioned to engage at least a portion of chest door 50 when the lowerfascia 110 is in the accessible position and the chest door 50 is in theopen position. In the exemplary embodiment, lower fascia 110 is adaptedto pivot away from the chest door 50 to at least an extent where thechest door may be disengaged from inwardly directed flange 156.Exemplary embodiments may include features of the type discussed in U.S.Pat. Nos. 7,159,767; 7,152,784; 7,000,830; and 6,871,602 the disclosuresof each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

An exemplary embodiment includes a method for accessing the contents ofthe secure area for servicing components housed therein or to replenishcurrency sheets. The method includes placing the lower fascia into anaccessible position from a covering position to uncover the chest door;opening the chest door to provide access to the secure area through anopening in the chest housing; and engaging the chest door and the lowerfascia to hold the chest door in an open condition. Thus a currencydispenser mechanism or other components may be accessed. Servicing thecurrency dispenser may include adding or removing currency sheets fromoperative engagement with the currency dispenser mechanism.

The method may further include engaging the chest door with an inwardlydirected flange that is mounted in supporting connection with the lowerfascia.

To return the machine to an operational condition, the method includesmoving the lower fascia outwardly relative to the engaged chest door todisengage the chest door; closing the chest door, and repositioning thelower fascia into the covering position.

Repositioning the lower fascia into the covering position includesoverlying a first forward portion of the chest housing with a first sideextension of the lower fascia and overlying a second forward portion ofthe chest housing with a second side extension of the lower fascia.

Prior to placing the lower fascia into the accessible position, themethod includes unlocking a first locking mechanism operable toselectively retain the lower fascia in a covering position.

Some machines may be equipped with another exemplary embodiment of achest or safe 160, as best seen in FIGS. 1 0-11. Chest 160 includes achest housing 162 having a first end 164 defining a first opening 166therein and a second end 168 defining a second opening 170 therein. Thechest of this exemplary embodiment is particularly adapted forapplications wherein a common chest housing can be utilized in either“front-load” machines or “rear-load” machines. By “front-load” machineit is meant that access to a secure area 174 in an operable machine maybe selectively attained from the front of the machine, which is the sameside that customers use to provide input to the machine. By “rear-load”machine it is meant that access to the secure area 174 in an operablemachine may be selectively attained from the rear of the machine whilecustomer inputs are provided at the front of the machine.

In this exemplary embodiment, chest 160 includes a first chest door 178moveably mounted adjacent a first end 164 of chest housing 162 toselectively close the first opening 166. Chest 160 further includes asecond chest door 180 moveably mounted adjacent the second end 168 toselectively close the second opening 170.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, chest 160 is adaptedfor use in a front load machine wherein under usual operatingconditions, first chest door 178 is selectively movable to open or closefirst opening 166 to allow access to secure area 174. In this exemplaryembodiment, second chest door 180 is adapted to remain closed duringusual operation of the machine, including those times when access tosecure area 174 is desired. For purposes of this disclosure, the term“semi-permanently” closed is used to describe a condition of a chestdoor that closes an opening in the chest housing in a manner that doesnot readily permit access to the secure area. In this way, a“semi-permanently” closed chest door is not used as the primary meansfor accessing the chest interior. However, under appropriate conditionsthe semi-permanently closed chest door can be opened.

In this exemplary embodiment, first chest door 178 is the operable doorand second chest door 180 is adapted to be semi-permanently closed. Inother embodiments, for instance in rear-load machines, it may bedesirable to utilize chest 160 as illustrated in FIG. 11 where thesecond chest door 180 is the operable door while first chest door 178 isadapted to be semi-permanently closed.

With particular reference to FIGS. 10 and 12, in the exemplaryembodiment, the first chest door 178 is equipped with a suitable lockingbolt mechanism generally denoted 186. Locking bolt mechanism 186 isoperative to selectively enable securing first chest door 178 in alocked condition. Locking bolt mechanism 186 may be of the typedescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,168 which is incorporated by referencein its entirety as if fully rewritten herein. Of course, other suitablebolt works can be utilized to accomplish the objectives.

Locking bolt mechanism 186 of the exemplary embodiment includes alocking bolt 188 which includes a plurality of locking bolt projections190. Locking bolt 188 is mounted in operatively supported connectionwith an interior surface of first chest door 178 so as to be slideablymovable between an extended position and a retracted position.

First chest door 178 also has a lock 192 mounted thereto. Lock 192cooperates with locking bolt mechanism 186 so that first chest door 178is enabled to be changed from a locked condition to an unlockedcondition. As shown in FIG. 10, the chest housing 162 includes aplurality of vertically spaced locking bolt apertures 194 which aresized and positioned for accepting the locking bolt projections 190.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the locking boltmechanism because it provides multiple places for engagement with thechest housing, achieves more secure locking of the door in the closedposition than a locking bolt mechanism providing a single place forengagement with the chest housing.

In the exemplary embodiment, first chest door 178 includes a pluralityof dead bolt projections 196 extending on a hinge side of the door.These dead bolt projections 196 are preferably positioned and sized tobe accepted in the dead bolt apertures 198 in housing 162. As will beappreciated, the acceptance of the dead bolt projections 196 into thedead bolt apertures 198provides enhanced security. In an exemplaryembodiment, the dead bolt apertures and the locking bolt apertures arecovered by trim pieces 200 (shown in FIG. 9) that extend on the outsideof the housing.

With reference to FIG. 10, in the exemplary embodiment, the first chestdoor 178 is operably connected to the chest housing via one or morefirst chest hinge assemblies 202. The exemplary chest hinge assembly 202may be of the type described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,089,168 and/or7,156,297, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in theirentirety. It will be readily understood that other hinge constructionsmay be used in other embodiments.

In the exemplary embodiment, the second chest door 180may be secured ina closed position by a securing mechanism that generally mirrors thelocking bolt mechanism 186 and lock 192. Alternately, as illustrated inFIG. 10, second chest door 180 may be “semi-permanently” secured by analternate securing mechanism 204. The alternate securing mechanism 204may include a bolt member 206 or other mechanism that is less complexthan the locking bolt mechanism and lock previously described. In thisexemplary embodiment, routine access to the secure area 174 via secondchest door 180is not necessary during normal operation of the machine.Thus, the alternate securing mechanism 204 is operable to“semi-permanently” engage the chest door 180. This may be done, forexample, by securing the bolt with fasteners or other devices that areonly accessible from within the interior of the chest portion. Ofcourse, in some alternative embodiments both chest doors may be equippedwith operational locking bolt mechanisms and locks.

The manufacture of an exemplary machine may be simplified by use ofchest 160. A common chest housing may be utilized in applicationsrequiring a front-load machine or a rear-load machine. After the housinghas been assembled, the positioning of a locking bolt mechanism may bechosen according to the configuration of the chest. Additionally, at asubsequent time, the operational features may be changed so that theinitial operational chest door becomes the non-operational door and viceversa. Thus, the manufacturing process is simplified by the versatilityof the chest housing.

Of course it will be readily appreciated that machines incorporatingthis exemplary embodiment of chest 160 may include any of the otherfeatures described elsewhere.

An exemplary embodiment includes a method for utilizing a machine thatis equipped with a chest having two opposed openings. The chest housingincludes a first opening at a first end thereof and a second opening ata second opposed end. The first door is moveably mounted in supportingconnection with the chest housing so that the first chest door isoperative to selectively close the first opening. A second chest door ismoveably mounted in supporting connection with the chest housing so thatthe second door is operative to semi-permanently close the secondopening. At least one lower banking machine component is mounted insupporting connection with the chest housing in the secure area.

In the exemplary method, a first locking bolt mechanism in supportingconnection with the first chest door is operated to selectively securelyengage the first chest door with the chest housing. A first securingmechanism in supporting connection with the second chest door isoperated to semi-permanently securely engage the second chest door withthe chest housing.

The method includes accessing at least one lower banking machinecomponent of an machine through a first opening in a chest housingbounding a secure area; and preventing access to the at least one lowerbanking machine component through the second opening.

The method further includes replacing the first locking bolt mechanismwith a second securing mechanism in supporting connection with the firstchest door, wherein the second securing mechanism is operative tosemi-permanently securely engage the first chest door with the chesthousing; and replacing the first securing mechanism with a secondlocking bolt mechanism in supporting connection with the second chestdoor, wherein the second locking bolt mechanism is operative toselectively securely engage the second chest door with the chesthousing. Thus, the door chosen as the operative door can be selected andchanged.

The exemplary machine may include a lower fascia that is mounted insupporting connection with the chest housing, wherein the lower fasciais selectively movable between a covering position and an accessibleposition. The exemplary method may include moving the lower fascia fromthe covering position to the accessible position prior to accessing thelower banking machine component. Further, the method may includeengaging the first chest door with the lower fascia to hold the firstdoor in the open condition.

The at least one lower banking machine component may comprise a currencydispenser mechanism. The exemplary method includes servicing thecurrency dispenser mechanism after the at least one lower bankingmachine component is accessed. This may include for example featuresincluded in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,195,237 and/or 7,111,776 the disclosures ofeach of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The at least one lower banking machine component may comprise a currencystacker. The exemplary method includes servicing the currency stacker.

Yet another exemplary embodiment of a machine 210 is illustrated inFIGS. 13-15. Machine 210 includes a top housing cover 212 includingfirst and second side walls 214, 216, top wall 218, and rear wall 219.Top housing cover 212 defines a front opening 222 and a bottom opening224. Ina first (operable) position, top housing cover 212 covers aninterior area in which various upper banking machine components such asa display, a receipt printer, a card reader, input keys, a controller,communication device, and others may be disposed.

In this exemplary embodiment, machine 210 further includes a chest 240bounding a secure area in a manner similar to that previously described.Chest 240 includes a housing 244 having a top wall 248. Top housingcover 212 is adapted for rearward slideable movement relative to topwall 248 to a second position for service.

In this exemplary embodiment, a first upwardly extending flange member254 is mounted in supporting connection with top wall 248 along a firstside thereof. A second upwardly extending flange member 256 (not shownin this view) is mounted in supporting connection with top wall 248along a second side thereof.

Supported on the first side wall 214 of top housing cover 212 is a firstcooperating channel member 260 having a pair of spaced downwardlyextending projections 262 defining a first channel 264 therebetween.Likewise, on the second side wall 216 of top housing cover 212 there issupported a second cooperating channel member 268 having a pair ofspaced downwardly extending projections 270 defining a second channel272 therebetween.

Top housing cover 212 is adapted for slideable movement relative to thetop wall 248 by the slideable engagement of the first flange member 254within first channel 264 and the slideable engagement of the secondflange member 256 within second channel 272.

In this exemplary embodiment, machine 210 includes an upper fascia 276operable to selectively cover the front opening 222. The top housingcover 212 is adapted for rearward movement relative to the top wall 248in the direction of arrow A such that rearward displacement of the tophousing cover 212 allows access to the upper banking machine componentsin the interior area, for example, for servicing.

It is contemplated that in exemplary embodiments the positioning of theflange members 254, 256 and the channels 264, 272 be reversed. Forexample, the top housing cover 212 may support flange members and themounting tray may support cooperating channel members to accomplish asimilar slideable relationship therebetween.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary embodiment wherein the flange members254, 256 are incorporated into a mounting tray 274 which is operable toreceive and support one or more upper banking machine components, whichfor ease of illustration are not shown in this view.

This embodiment allows for ease of assembly of the exemplary machine210. The applicable upper banking machine components can be readilymounted onto mounting tray 274, which is mounted in supportingconnection with top wall 248 of chest housing 244. Top housing cover 212may thereafter be positioned by slideable movement of flange members254, 256 in respective channels 264, 272.

In an alternate exemplary embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 15, machine210 may include a rollout tray 275 similar to rollout tray 80 aspreviously described. Flange members 254,256 may be mounted insupporting connection with rollout tray 275. Thus, upper banking machinecomponents may be accessed by rearwardly sliding the top housing cover212, extending the rollout tray 275, or a combination of both.

Machine 210 may further include at least one removable fastener 280 forselectively engaging the top housing cover 212 with at least one flangemember 254, 256 to prevent relative slideable movement therebetween. Inthe exemplary embodiment, first and second fasteners 280 are used tosecure the top housing cover 212.

Machine 210 may further include a first locking mechanism 282 to securethe top housing cover to upper fascia 276. In this exemplary embodiment,the locking mechanism is operable in response to a key 284. In theexemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15 it is contemplated thatfasteners 280 are covered by a rearwardly extending portion of upperfascia similar to portion 98 shown in FIG. 6. Thus, fasteners 280 arenot accessible from outside the machine until first locking mechanism282 has been operated to release upper fascia 276 so that the upperfascia 276 can be moved away from top housing cover 212.

In the exemplary embodiment, machine 210 may include a lower fascia 288with features similar to a lower fascia previously described. Lowerfascia 288 may be secured in the covering position by a second lockingmechanism 290.

This exemplary embodiment provides ready access to the upper bankingmachine components, for example, for servicing or replacing. To accessthe upper banking machine components, fasteners 280 are removed. It iscontemplated that in an exemplary embodiment, the fasteners may not beaccessible until after the first locking mechanism 282 is unlocked andthe upper fascia is displaced slightly to uncover fasteners 280. Inother embodiments, the fasteners may be directly accessed.

The top housing cover 212 may then be moved rearwardly, away from upperfascia 276 so that the interior area is accessible. During servicing,the top housing cover 212 may be selectively positioned so that someportion or none of the upwardly extending flanges 254, 256 remainengaged with the channel members 260, 268, respectively.

In one exemplary embodiment, a method is provided for accessing bankingmachine components. The exemplary method includes supporting the tophousing cover in a slideable relationship with the top wall of the chesthousing, wherein the top housing cover includes a front opening;selectively rearwardly sliding the top housing cover away from a firstposition in which an upper fascia covers the front opening; andaccessing at least one upper banking machine component that is mountedin supporting connection with the top wall of the chest housing.

The exemplary method further includes removing fasteners that may beused to selectively secure the top housing cover in the first position.

The exemplary method further includes operating a locking mechanism torelease the top housing cover and the upper fascia.

The exemplary method further includes accessing an upper banking machinecomponent for servicing. The at least one upper banking machinecomponent may be a display that is accessed for servicing.

In one embodiment the machine includes side flange members mounted insupporting connection with a top wall of a chest housing and cooperativechannel members mounted in supporting connection with the top housingcover. In this exemplary embodiment, the method further includesslideably engaging a first flange member with a first channel of a firstchannel member.

In another exemplary embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, machine310 may include a chest 312 having a chest housing 314 including topwall 316. As in previously described embodiments, chest housing 314bounds a secure area which holds lower banking machine componentsincluding a currency dispenser mechanism which may be similar tomechanism 64 shown in FIG. 3. Machine 310 further includes a top housing320 (shown in phantom) bounding an interior area 322.

In this exemplary embodiment, machine 310 includes a processor case 324that houses the primary machine processor or processors. The processormay be an Intel Pentium or Celeron processor. Of course, in someembodiments the case may house multiple processors or no processors atall. The processor causes operation of the various devices andmechanisms in the machine.

In this exemplary embodiment, processor case 324 is in supportingconnection with top wall 316 of chest housing 314. Processor case 324includes a first functional side 326 that is operable to establishconnections, such as through cable 327, from the various banking machinecomponents. Other processor components, including but not limited tocircuit cards having various functions, additional processors, drives(CD, DVD, floppy), power supplies, memory, or encryption cards, may becarried on or within processor case 324. Such components may also beaccessed, removed and/or replaced and routine maintenance performedthrough access to the functional side of the process or case.

In order to minimize the space occupied by machine 310, it isadvantageous to orient processor case 324 of the exemplary embodiment sothat the first functional side 326 is substantially parallel to a firstside wall 328 (shown in phantom) of top housing 320. However, in orderto easily access first functional side 326 for servicing or connectingcables, it is advantageous to orient processor case 324 so that thefirst functional side 326 is substantially perpendicular to the firstside wall 328, facing the front opening of the machine. In order toaccomplish both these purposes, the processor case 324 of the exemplaryembodiment is rotationally supported in connection with the top wall 316of the chest housing 314. The processor case 324 is selectivelyrotationally movable between an operational position, shown in FIG. 17,wherein the first functional side 326 is substantially parallel to thefirst side wall 328, and a service position, shown in FIG. 16, whereinthe first functional side 326 is substantially perpendicular to thefirst side wall 328.

In this exemplary embodiment, a rollout tray 330 is supported on the topwall 316 of the chest housing 314. As in earlier described exemplaryembodiments, the rollout tray 330 is selectively movable between aretracted position wherein the rollout tray 330 is within the interiorarea 322, and an extended position wherein the rollout tray 330 extendsoutwardly from the interior area through a front opening in the tophousing 320. In the exemplary embodiment, various upper banking machinecomponents such as display 332, receipt printer 334, and card reader 336are supported on rollout tray 330. Also, an upper fascia 340 may bemounted in supporting connection with rollout tray 330. As in otherdescribed embodiments, when the rollout tray is in the retractedposition, the upper fascia 340 covers the front opening in the tophousing.

In the exemplary embodiment, when rollout tray 330 is in the retractedposition, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the processor case 324 is preventedfrom rotating from the operational position to the service position.When the rollout tray 330 is in the extended position, as illustrated inFIG. 17, there is enough clearance in the interior area 322 to permitthe processor case 324 to be rotated into the service position. Thus,when the rollout tray 330 is in the extended position, the upper bankingmachine components supported thereon are readily accessible for service.Likewise, the cable connections and any processor components carried onthe processor case are accessible for service.

In a method for servicing banking machine components of a machine, arollout tray 80 mounted in supporting connection with a top housing 320is extended from a retracted position so that the rollout tray extendsthrough a front opening in the top housing 320. The method includesdisengaging any locking mechanisms that operate to retain the rollouttray 80 in the retracted position.

A processor case 324 disposed in an interior area 322 bounded by the tophousing 320 may be rotated from an operational position to a serviceposition. At least one processor component mounted in supportingconnection with the processor case 324 may be accessed for servicing.After servicing of the processor component is complete, the processorcase 324 may be rotationally returned to the operational position fromthe service position. Thereafter, the rollout tray 80 may berepositioned into the retracted position.

The step of servicing the processor component may include connecting ordisconnecting cables or connections, adding or replacing components suchas circuit cards, performing diagnostic tests and other functions tofacilitate operation of the machine.

Prior to repositioning the rollout tray 80, other banking machinecomponents may be serviced while the rollout tray is extended. Forexample, a display, card reader, and receipt printer assembly arereadily accessible for service. The service can include routinemaintenance, replacement of non-working components, addition of otherbanking machine components, and the like. Connections with the processorcan be readily made while the rollout tray is in the extended positionand the processor case is in the service position.

The machine may include a slideable top housing cover 212 as earlierdescribed. The service method includes the step of rearwardly slidingthe top housing cover 212. After the servicing of banking machinecomponents is completed, the method includes returning the top housingcover 212 to an operational position.

During servicing of the machine, the lower banking machine componentsmay also be accessed for servicing. The service method includesdisengaging any locking mechanisms that retain the lower fascia in acovering position. The lower fascia may thereafter be moved into theaccessible position. The locking bolt mechanism that securely engagesthe chest door with the chest housing may be disengaged so that thechest door may be placed in the open position.

An exemplary method further includes the step of engaging the chest doorwith the lower fascia when the chest door is in the open position andthe lower fascia is in the accessible position in order to retain thedoor in the open position.

The lower banking machine components, such as currency stacker, currencydispenser mechanism, and currency delivery mechanism (as shown in FIG.3). An exemplary service method includes performing routine maintenance,replenishing currency, removing sheets, disengaging sheets from thecurrency dispenser mechanism, replacing components and the like.

The machine can include connections and/or cables that extend betweenthe processor case and lower banking machine components that aregenerally housed within the secure chest. The chest housing may includevarious openings 350 through the walls to accommodate the connectionsand/or cables (FIGS. 10-11 and 17). When the processor case is in theservice position, the connections can be readily established, maintainedand/or changed.

An exemplary method of constructing a machine apparatus is described.The exemplary method includes mounting a top housing in supportingconnection with a chest adapted for use in an automated banking machineapparatus. A first chest door is operable to selectively close a firstopening in the chest housing.

The method further includes mounting an upper fascia in supportingconnection with the top housing and mounting a lower fascia in movablesupporting connection with the chest housing.

The upper fascia and the top housing are selectively positioned relativeeach other so that a front opening in the top housing is selectivelycovered by the upper fascia, and wherein a rearwardly extending portionof the upper fascia overlies a forward region of the top housing.

The lower fascia is selectively positioned in a covering positionrelative a chest door wherein a first side extension of the lower fasciaoverlies a first forward portion of the chest housing and wherein asecond side extension of the lower fascia overlies a second forwardportion of the chest housing.

In an exemplary method, a lower edge surface of the upper fascia isplaced in substantially parallel alignment with an upper edge surface ofthe lower fascia and an end edge of a rearwardly extending portion ofthe upper fascia is substantially vertically aligned with an end edge ofa first side extension of the lower fascia at a first side of themachine.

In an exemplary method, a second chest door is moveably mounted insupporting connection with the chest housing to operably close a secondopening in the chest housing. A first locking bolt mechanism may bemounted to the first chest door and an alternate securing mechanism maybe mounted to the second chest door.

In an exemplary method, a processor case is mounted in supportingrotational connection with a top wall of the chest housing wherein theprocessor case is selectively movable between an operational positionand a service position, and wherein the processor case houses at leastone processor.

In an exemplary method, at least one upper banking machine component ismounted in supporting connection with a rollout tray which is mounted inmovable supporting connection with the chest housing, wherein therollout tray is selectively movable between a retracted position whereinthe rollout tray is within an interior area, and an extended positionwherein the rollout tray extends outwardly from the interior areathrough the front opening in the top housing.

The exemplary method includes selectively placing the rollout tray inthe extended position, selectively rotating the processor case into theservice position, and establishing an operable connection between the atleast one upper banking machine component and the at least oneprocessor.

In an exemplary method, the lower fascia is equipped with an inwardlyextending flange operative to selectively engage the chest door when thelower fascia is in the accessible position and the chest door is in theopen position.

With reference to FIG. 18, in this exemplary embodiment there is showntherein an automated banking machine, generally indicated as 410. Inthis exemplary embodiment, the automated banking machine 410 is anautomated teller machine. The machine 410 includes a housing 412 mountedatop a chest 440. The housing 412 includes a first side wall 414, asecond side wall 416 (FIG. 19), a rear wall or panel 419, and a top wall418, and defines a front opening 422. A fascia 486 is adapted to coverthe front opening 422 of the housing 412 and may be secured to thehousing 412 with a lock 448. The fascia 486 is in operatively supportedconnection with the housing 412 and is operatively supported by thehousing 412 through two horizontally disposed members 483, 484. As willbe appreciated by those skilled in the art, the fascia 486 mayadditionally or alternatively be secured to the chest 440. In anexemplary embodiment, the two horizontally disposed members 483, 484 areslideable members adapted to enable the fascia 486 to be moved away fromthe front opening 422 of the housing 412. Further, the fascia 486, whenmoved away from the front opening 422, cooperates with the housing 412and the two horizontally disposed members 483, 484 to define a spacewhich may be at least partially occupied by a servicer 402 whileservicing the machine 410. Various serviceable components, generallyidentified in FIG. 18 as components 450-455, may be supported by thefascia 486, the housing 412, the chest 440, or combinations thereof.

With reference to FIG. 19, there is shown a further view of theexemplary embodiment of the machine 410 described under FIG. 18. Shownis the servicer 402 at least partially occupying the space defined bythe fascia 486, the housing 412, and the two horizontally disposedmembers 483,484.

With reference to FIG. 20, in this exemplary embodiment there is showntherein an automated banking machine, generally indicated as 510. Themachine 510 includes a housing 512 mounted atop a chest 540. The housing512 includes a first side wall 514 (not shown), a second side wall 516,and a top wall 518, and defines a rear opening 524. A rear panel 519 isadapted to cover the rear opening 524 of the housing 512 and may besecured to the housing 512 with a lock 549. The rear panel 519 is inoperatively supported connection with the housing 512 and is operativelysupported by the housing 512 through two-horizontally disposed members585, 587. In an exemplary embodiment, the two horizontally disposedmembers 585, 587 are slideable members adapted to enable the rear panel519 to be moved away from the rear opening 524 of the housing 512.Further, the rear panel 519, when moved away from the rear opening 524,cooperates with the housing 512 and the two horizontally disposedmembers 585, 587 to define a space which may be at least partiallyoccupied by the servicer 402 while servicing the machine 510. Variousserviceable components, generally identified in FIG. 20 as components558-563, may be supported by the rear panel 519, the housing 512, thechest 540, or combinations thereof.

With reference to FIG. 21, in this exemplary embodiment there is showntherein an automated banking machine, generally indicated as 610. Themachine 610 includes a housing 612 mounted atop a chest (not shown). Thehousing 612 includes a first side wall 614, a second side wall 616, arear wall 619,and a top wall 618, and defines a front opening 622. Afascia 686 is adapted to cover the front opening 622 of the housing 612and may be secured to the housing 612 with a lock (not shown). Thefascia 686 is in operatively supported connection with the housing 612and is operatively supported by the housing 612 through two horizontallydisposed members 683, 684. In an exemplary embodiment, the twohorizontally disposed members 683, 684 are slideable members adapted toenable the fascia 686 to be moved away from the front opening 622 of thehousing 612. Further, the fascia 686, when moved away from the frontopening 622, cooperates with the housing 612 and the two horizontallydisposed members 683, 684 to define a space which may be at leastpartially occupied by the servicer 402 while servicing the machine 610.Various serviceable components, generally identified in FIG. 21 ascomponents 664-669, may be supported by the fascia 686, the housing 612,the chest (not shown), or combinations thereof.

Also shown in FIG. 21, is an exemplary embodiment of a moveablecomponent tray 690. The moveable component tray 690 may support one ormore components, generally 664-666. The tray 690 is inoperativelysupported connection with the housing 612 and is operatively supportedby the housing 612 through two horizontally disposed members 692, 693.In an exemplary embodiment, the two horizontally disposed members 692,693 are slideable members adapted to enable the one or more components,generally 664-669, and their support tray 690 to be moved away from thehousing 612 for servicing by the servicer 402. Even when the supporttray 690 is moved away from the housing 612, the housing 612, the tray690, one of the horizontally disposed members 684, for example, and thefascia 686 cooperate to define a space which may be at least partiallyoccupied by the servicer 402. As will be appreciated by those skilled inthe relevant art, the moveable tray 690 described herein and illustratedin FIG. 21 may also or additionally be included in a rear-access housingas illustrated in exemplary fashion in FIG. 20. As will also beappreciated by those skilled in the art, the support tray 690 may bedisposed in a vertical orientation.

With reference to FIG. 22, in this exemplary embodiment there is showntherein an automated banking machine, generally indicated as 710. Themachine 710 includes a housing 712 mounted atop a chest (not shown). Thehousing 712 includes a first side wall 714, a second side wall 716, arear wall 719, and a top wall 718, and defines a front opening 722. Afascia 786 is adapted to cover the front opening 722 of the housing 712and may be secured to the housing 712 with a lock (not shown). Thefascia 786 is in operatively supported connection with the housing 712and is operatively supported by the housing 712 through two horizontallydisposed members 783, 784. In an exemplary embodiment, the twohorizontally disposed members 783, 784 are slideable members adapted toenable the fascia 786 to be moved away from the front opening 722 of thehousing 712. Further, the fascia 786, when moved away from the frontopening 722, cooperates with the housing 712 and the two horizontallydisposed members 783, 784 to define a space which may be at leastpartially occupied by the servicer 402 while servicing the machine 710.Various serviceable components, generally identified in FIG. 22 ascomponents 770-775, may be supported by the fascia 786, the housing 712,the chest (not shown), or combinations thereof.

Also shown in FIG. 22, is an exemplary embodiment of a moveablecomponent rack 790. The moveable component rack 790 may support one ormore serviceable components, generally 773-775. The rack 790 is inoperatively supported connection with the housing 712 and is operativelysupported by the housing 712 through two horizontally disposed members794, 795. In an exemplary embodiment, the two horizontally disposedmembers 794, 795 are slideable members adapted to enable the one or morecomponents, generally 773-775, and their supporting rack 790 to be movedaway from the housing 712 for servicing by the servicer 402. Even whenthe supporting rack 790 is moved away from the housing 712, the housing712, the rack 790, one of the horizontally disposed members 784, forexample, and the fascia 786 cooperate to define a space which may be atleast partially occupied by the servicer 402. As will be appreciated bythose skilled in the relevant art, the moveable rack 790 describedherein and illustrated in FIG. 22 may also or additionally be includedin a rear-access housing as illustrated in exemplary fashion in FIG. 20.As will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the supportingrack 790 may be disposed in a vertical direction.

With reference to FIG. 23, in this exemplary embodiment there is showntherein a portion of an automated banking machine, generally indicatedas 810. The machine 810 includes a housing 812 mounted atop a chest (notshown). The housing includes a first side wall (not shown), a secondside wall 816.a rear wall 819, and a top wall 818, and defines a frontopening 822. Also shown in FIG. 23, is an exemplary embodiment of apivotable component rack 890. The pivotable component rack 890 is inoperatively supported connection with the housing 812 and is operativelysupported by the housing 812 through a pivot 896. The pivotablecomponent rack 890 may support one or more serviceable components,generally 876. The pivot 896 is adapted to enable the one or morecomponents, generally 876, and their pivotable component rack 890 to bemoved away from the housing 812 for servicing by the servicer 402. Aswill be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the pivot 896 mayalternatively be disposed in a vertical orientation.

An exemplary embodiment includes a method for accessing and servicingthe contents, and particularly the serviceable components, of thehousing to, but not limited to, clean, repair, or replace parts, makeadjustments, replenish consumables such as paper, print materials, andlubricants, or exchange components. The method includes releasing thelock holding the cover adjacent to the opening of the housing of theautomated banking machine and moving the cover away from the housing,wherein the cover remains in operatively supported connection with thehousing, and wherein the cover is operatively supported by the housingthrough two horizontally disposed members. In an exemplary embodiment,the members are slideable horizontally disposed members and the methodincludes the step of sliding the cover away from the housing. The methodfurther includes standing between the two horizontally disposed membersand servicing at least one serviceable component of the automatedbanking machine. In a further exemplary embodiment, the method includesmoving out from between the two horizontally disposed members, movingthe cover back toward the housing, whereby the cover is positionedadjacent the housing opening, and securing the lock.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the method further includes movingthe at least one component away from the housing for servicing. Inafurther exemplary embodiment, the step of moving the at least onecomponent away from the housing includes sliding the at least onecomponent away from the housing, pivoting at least a portion of the atleast one component away from the housing, sliding a tray supporting theat least one component away from the housing, and sliding a racksupporting the at least one component away from the housing whilestanding between the two horizontally disposed members.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the method further includes movingthe at least one component back into the housing after servicing. Inafurther exemplary embodiment, the step of moving the at least onecomponent back into the housing includes sliding the at least onecomponent back into the housing, pivoting the at least one portion ofthe at least one component back into the housing, sliding the traysupporting the at least one component back into the housing, and slidingthe rack supporting the at least one component back into the housingwhile standing between the two horizontally disposed members.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the at least onecomponent may alternatively be in operatively supported connection withthe cover and the method include moving the at least one component movedaway from the cover for servicing, servicing the at least one component,and subsequently moving the at least one component back to the cover. Aswill also be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the cover maycomprise a fascia or a rear panel.

Exemplary embodiments may also include features described in U.S. Pat.Nos. 8,091,784; 8,090,663; 8,104,674; 8,104,676; 8,091,778; 8,100,323;8,083,136; 8,070,055; 8,083,131; 8,079,512; 8,061,591; 8,052,049;8,052,045; 8,052,044; 8,052,042; 8,061,593; 7,255,266; 7,251,626;7,249,761; 7,246,082; 7,240,829; 7,240,827; 7,234,636; 7,229,009;7,229,012; 7,229,008; 7,222,782; 7,216,801; 7,216,800; 7,216,083;7,207,478; 7,204,411; 7,195,153; and 7,195,237 the disclosures of eachof which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

With reference to FIG. 24, in this exemplary embodiment there is showntherein an automated banking machine, generally indicated as 910. Themachine 910 includes a housing 912 mounted atop a secure chest 940. Thechest 940 may be enclosed in a chest housing 944 or may itself comprisethe exterior walls of a portion of the machine. The housing 912 boundsan interior area and includes a first sidewall 914, a second sidewall916, and a top wall 918. The walls define an opening 22 (shown inexemplary fashion in FIG. 2) to an interior area 20 (shown in exemplaryfashion in FIG. 2). The housing 912 further includes housing vents 942formed in the sidewalls 914, 916 which provide ventilation and enablethe movement of air into or out of the housing 912. In the exemplaryembodiment air is moved to help cool electronic parts contained, forexample, in a component case 924 (FIG. 25).

An upper fascia 986 provides an attractive appearance as well assecurity. The fascia 986 is in operatively supported connection with thehousing 912 and moveable between a secure closed position adjacent tothe housing opening 22 and a released away position. (FIGS. 1 and 2.) Inthe exemplary embodiment, a card reader 24 (shown in exemplary fashionin FIG. 3) is in operatively supported connection with the housing 912and is operative to read indicia on user cards corresponding tofinancial accounts. Also in the exemplary embodiment, a display 928 anda cash dispenser 64 (shown in exemplary fashion in FIG. 3) are inoperatively supported connection with the housing 912. The componentcase 924 (FIG. 25), which in the exemplary embodiment comprises aprocessor case, is in operatively supported connection with the housing912 and may contain computer processors, circuit cards, memory devicesand other electronic components (not shown). As shown in FIG. 26, butbest seen in FIG. 27, the component case 924 further includes one ormore component case vents 943 which may cooperate with one or more fansor other air movement devices (not shown) to help move air to and fromthe inside of the case and ventilate the interior of the component case924.

As will be understood from FIGS. 24 and 25, ventilation air from theinterior of the component case 924 may not easily reach or be drawn fromoutside the housing 912 which encloses the case 924 as well as othercomponents of the machine 910. As shown in exemplary fashion in FIG. 25,a duct 930 is operatively disposed between the component case 924 at thecomponent case vents 943 (FIGS. 26 and 27) and the housing sidewall 916at the at least one housing vent 942 (FIGS. 24 and 25). Air from theinterior of the component case 924, by way of example only, warm airheated by the operation of processors or other components within thecase 924, may then be guided within the duct to outside the housing 912.Likewise, in some embodiments and depending upon the direction of airflow, cooler air from outside the housing 912 may be guided to theinterior of the component case 924. In an exemplary embodiment, the duct930 is adhered to the component case 924 with an adhesive 936 (shown inexemplary fashion in FIG. 30). In a further exemplary embodiment, theduct 930 may be alternatively and/or in addition adhered to the insidewall of the housing 912. In a further exemplary embodiment, the adhesive936 is releasable. In a further exemplary embodiment, the adhesive isresealable. Thus, the duct 930 may be released from its position andlater resealed. This may be accomplished in exemplary embodiments bysealants which remain flexible and tacky at ambient temperatures.

A further exemplary embodiment is shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 whichgenerally illustrate an exemplary duct assembly 931. The duct assembly931 may comprise a resilient deformable duct 930 to which a frame 932has been secured. In other embodiments ducts may be comprised of otherenclosed structures operative to conduct air therethrough. In a furtherexemplary embodiment, the frame 932 may be comprised of relatively rigidmaterial and may include one or more tab portions 938, one or more hookportions 934, or combinations of tab portions 938 and hook portions 934.In an exemplary embodiment, the frame 932 is adhered to the duct 930with an adhesive 936 (FIGS. 28 and 30). In a further exemplaryembodiment, the one or more tab portions 938 cooperate with, forexample, one or more fasteners 939 (FIGS. 25 and 27) which can extend inand engage one or more apertures 937 in the component case 924 toreliably secure the duct 930 to the component case 924. While thefastener 939 is shown as a screw, it is to be understood that otherfasteners may be employed. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or morehook portions 934 are configured to cooperate with and engage one ormore component case slots 935 to reasonably secure the duct 930 to thecomponent case 924. In the secured position the duct extends insurrounding relation of one or more processor case vents. While the ductassembly 931 is shown in exemplary fashion as secured to the componentcase 924, the duct assembly 931 may be secured to the housing 912, forexample, the housing sidewall 916, or to other cases or elements of themachine 910.

In a further exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 30, the ductassembly 931 is adhered to the component case 924 with adhesive 936. Theadhesive 936 is secured to an edge face 933, proximate the componentcase 924, and the duct assembly 931 adhered to the component case 924.As shown in FIG. 30, the adhesive 936 may secure the frame 932 to theduct 930 and the adhesive 936 may secure the duct assembly 931 to thecomponent case 924. It is to be understood that the adhesive materialused to secure the frame 932 to the duct 930 may not be the sameadhesive material used to secure the duct assembly 931 to the componentcase 924. Ina further exemplary embodiment, the frame 932 is secured tothe duct 930 by other means. As can be seen from FIG. 30, forming theduct 930 from deformable resilient material, such as foam, enables theduct 930 to deform around the frame 932 thickness and contact thecomponent case 924.

In an exemplary embodiment, a method is performed. The fascia 986 ismoved from a position adjacent the opening 22 (FIG. 2) to the interior20 of the housing 912 of the automated banking machine 910, to aposition away from the opening 22. The component case 924 is moved froma position within the interior 20 of the housing 912 to a position atleast partially extending through the opening 22. The duct assembly 931,at least partially secured to the component case 924 with the releasableresealable adhesive 936, is released and separated from the componentcase 924. A component (not shown), at least partially contained withinthe component case 924 is serviced. This may include replacing oradjusting a circuit card, processor board, a hard drive, a transformeror other component, for example. The duct assembly 931 is adhered to thecomponent case 924, and the component case 924 moved from the positionat least partially extending through the opening 22 to the positionwithin the interior 20 of the housing 912. The fascia 986 is moved fromthe position away from the opening 22 of the housing 912 to the positionadjacent the opening. Ina further embodiment, the duct assembly 931,comprising the resilient deformable duct 930 with releasable resealableadhesive 936 secured thereto, the duct 930 is deformed to adhere to thecomponent case 924. The duct 930 may also be comprised of combinationsor portions of relatively rigid and other portions of resilientmaterial. Ina further embodiment, the duct assembly 931,furthercomprising the duct frame 932 having at least one hook portion 934 andthe component case 924, further comprising the at least one slot 935,the at least one hook portion 934 is mated and engaged with the at leastone slot 935. In a further embodiment, the duct assembly 931furthercomprises the frame 932 having at least one tab portion 938 and an leastone fastener 939 inoperative connection with the at least one tab 938and the component case 924 further includes at least one fastener hole937. The at least one fastener 939 is mated with the at least onefastener hole 937. In some embodiments the duct 930 may be comprised ofa relatively rigid material such as rigid plastic or sheet metal, forexample.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a method is provided. The housing 912is mounted in supporting connection with the chest 44 (FIG. 2). The cardreader 24 (FIG. 3) is installed in operatively supported connection withthe housing 912, the display 928 is installed in operatively supportedconnection with the housing 912, and a cash dispenser 64 (FIG. 3) isinstalled in operatively supported connection with the housing 912. Thecomponent case 924, having at least one component case vent 943, isinstalled in operatively supported connection with the housing 912. Theduct assembly 931, including a duct 930 is adhered to the component case924. In a further exemplary embodiment, the duct assembly 931 furtherincludes a frame 932 and the method further includes securing the frame932 to the duct 930. Ina further exemplary embodiment, the frame 932 isadhered to the duct 930. Ina further exemplary embodiment, the frameincludes at least one hook portion 934 and the component case 924further includes at least one slot 935, the slot 935 adapted to acceptthe at least one hook portion 934, the method further comprising matingthe at least one hook portion 934 and the at least one slot 935. In afurther exemplary embodiment, the frame 932 includes at least one tabportion 938, the duct assembly 931 further includes at least onefastener 939, and the component case 924 further includes at least onefastener hole 937. The method further comprises mating the at least onefastener 939 and the at least one fastener hole 937.

In still other embodiments a resilient duct may be positioned within theinterior of the machine. The duct may extend in surrounding relation ofone or more housing vents and processor case vents. The duct face at oneor more ends may be secured to an adjacent wall surface with aresealable or a single use adhesive. In some embodiments the adhesivemay be replenished each time the duct is reengaged.

While the exemplary embodiments include particular structures to achievethe desirable results, those having skill in the art may devise numerousother embodiments with other structures which employ the principlesdescribed herein and which are encompassed by the subject matter asclaimed.

Turning now to FIG. 31, there is shown therein a portion of an automatedbanking machine of a further exemplary embodiment. (See FIG. 1 for ageneral exemplary embodiment of an automated banking machine.) In thisexemplary embodiment, a fascia assembly 589 comprises a fascia cover 588operatively connected to a fascia frame 590. While the fascia cover 588and fascia frame 590 may be described in the exemplary embodiment asseparate elements, it is to be understood the fascia cover 588 and thefascia frame 590 may in some embodiments be of a single-piececonstruction. Also shown in FIG. 31 is a support 580. The support 580may comprise a tray, which tray may further support automated bankingmachine components such as, by way of example only. a display 28 (e.g.,FIG. 2). a card reader 24 (e.g., FIG. 2) and/or a receipt printer 30(e.g., FIG. 2). The support 580 may comprise slides 84 (e.g., FIG. 2)either in combination with a tray or separately. The fascia assembly 586is supported, at least in part by the support 580. The support 580 isfurther supportively connected to the housing 12 (e.g., FIG. 2) and/orthe chest 40 (e.g., FIG. 2).

Turning now to FIG. 32, there is illustrated an exploded isometric viewof the exemplary fascia assembly 586 and exemplary support 580 of FIG.31 further illustrating the exemplary features. The fascia frame 588comprises at least one hook 582 and may further comprise two or morehooks 582 (not shown) in spaced-apart relation. The support 580comprises at least one slot 578 of the exemplary embodiment and mayfurther comprise two or more slots 578. The at least one hook 582 andthe at least one slot 578 are formed to enable the at least one hook 582and the at least one slot 578 to engage and thereby at least partiallysecure the fascia assembly 586 to the support 580. It is to beunderstood that either the fascia frame 590 or the support 580 maycomprise a hook 582 and the other of the fascia frame 590 or the support580 comprise a slot 578.

Turning now to FIGS. 33 and 34, and with reference to FIG. 32, thedetails of the engagement of the hook 582 and the slot 578 may befurther understood. As the hook 582 is engaged with the slot 578, thefascia assembly 589 becomes at least partially supported by the support580. As such, the fascia assembly 589 may be initially engaged andfurther secured by a single person. Further, the fascia assembly 589 maybe unsecured and disengaged by a single person. As best seen in FIGS. 33and 34, the hook 582 may be offset from the slot 578 and thus provide apositive engagement between the hook 582 and the slot 578. To furthersecure the fascia assembly 589 to the support 580, one or more fasteners584 may be utilized. By way of example only, as shown in FIGS. 33 and34, a screw 584 may engage screw holes 576 in the fascia frame 590 andin the support 580.

The support 580 may further comprise one or more tabs 574 which mayserve to guide the one or more hooks 582 into the one or more slots 578.As with the hooks 582 and the slots 578, it is to be understood thateither the fascia frame 590 or the support 580 may comprise one or moretabs 574.

In an exemplary method, referring also to FIGS. 2, 3, and 31-34, themethod comprises mounting a housing 12 in supporting connection with achest 40 adapted for use in an automated banking machine 10, the housing12 comprising an interior 20 and at least one opening 22 into theinterior 20. The method comprises installing a card reader 24 inoperatively supported connection with the housing 12, wherein the cardreader 24 is operative to read indicia on user cards corresponding tofinancial accounts. The method comprises installing a display 28 inoperatively supported connection with the housing 12. The methodcomprises installing a cash dispenser 64 in operatively supportedconnection with the housing 12. The exemplary method comprisesinstalling a printer 30 in operatively supported connection with thehousing 12 and operative to print information corresponding to financialaccounts and financial transactions. It is understood the card reader24, the display 28, the cash dispenser 64, and the printer 30 may bemounted onto various elements of the automated banking machine 10,including, but not limited to, a support 580 which may comprise a tray.The method comprises installing the support 580 in operatively supportedconnection with the housing 12, the support 580 moveable between aposition substantially within the interior area 20 of the housing 12 anda position wherein at least a portion of the support 580 is extendedthrough the housing opening 20. (Best understood by reference to FIG.2.) The method comprises mounting a fascia assembly 589 to the support580, the fascia assembly 589 comprising a fascia frame 590 and a fasciacover 588 in operatively supported connection with the fascia frame 590.At least one of the fascia frame 590 and the support 580 comprises atleast a first hook 582 and the other comprises at least a first slot578, the at least first hook 582 and the at least first slot 578 formedto engage each other. The method comprises engaging the at least firsthook 582 with the at least first slot 578.

The exemplary method further comprises moving the at least first hook582 to an offset position relative to the at least first slot 578. (Bestseen in FIGS. 33 and 34.)

The exemplary method further comprises securing the fascia assembly 589to the support 580 with, for example, a fastener 584 such as a screw.

The exemplary method further comprises moving the fascia assembly 589 toa secure closed position adjacent the housing opening 22. (Best seen inFIG. 1.)

In a further exemplary method, the method comprises moving a fasciaassembly 589 in operatively supported connection with a housing 12 of anautomated banking machine 10 from a secure closed position adjacent anopening 22 to an interior 20 of the housing 12 to a released awayposition away from the opening 22. (Best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2.) Theautomated banking machine 10 comprises a card reader 24 in operativelysupported connection with the housing 12 and operative to read indiciacorresponding to financial accounts on user cards, a display 28 inoperatively supported connection with the housing 12, a printer 30 inoperatively supported connection with the housing 12 and operative toprint information corresponding to financial accounts and financialtransactions, a cash dispenser 64 in operatively supported connectionwith the housing 12, and a support 580 in operatively supportedconnection with the housing 12, the support 580 moveable between aposition substantially within the interior 20 of the housing 12 and aposition wherein at least a portion of the support 580 is extendedthrough the housing opening 22. (Best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2.) The fasciaassembly 589 comprises a fascia frame 590 and a fascia cover 588 inoperatively supported connection with the fascia frame 590. At least oneof the fascia frame 590 and the support 580 comprises at least a firsthook 582 and the other comprises at least a first slot 578, the at leastfirst hook 582 and the at least first slot 578 formed to engage eachother. The method comprises disengaging the at least first hook 582 fromthe at least first slot 578. The method comprises servicing at least oneof a serviceable automated banking machine component. Such serviceableautomated banking machine components include, for example, the cardreader 24, the display 28, the printer 30, and the cash dispenser 64.The method comprises engaging the at least first hook 582 with the atleast first slot 578. The method comprises moving the fascia assembly589 from the released away position from the opening 22 to the secureclosed position adjacent the opening 22. (Best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2.)

The fascia assembly 589 may be secured to the support 580 with one ormore fasteners 584 and the method further comprise releasing the one ormore fasteners 584 securing the fascia assembly 586 to the support 580.

The exemplary method further comprises securing the one or morefasteners 584 securing the fascia assembly 586 to the support 580.

As previously mentioned, the rollout tray 80 is movably mounted insupporting connection with slides 84. The rollout tray provides a devicesupport for various types of transaction function devices. Rollout traysmay have numerous different configurations and may vary with the size,type and operation of the device supported. In some embodiments the traymay include a support structure separable from the device. In otherarrangements the tray (which is sometimes alternatively referred to as adevice support) may include a frame or body of the device itself. Theexample slides 84 enable the device support to extend out of the housingopening 20 of the machine, such that components may be more readilyserviced. Slides 84 may be held in engagement with vertically extendingsidewalls 14, 16 of the housing 12 through fasteners. The process offastening the slides in position to the walls via the fasteners can betime consuming during assembly. Removal and installation of the slidesis also time consuming during servicing activities in which the slideneeds to be removed for access to portions of the serviceable device. Inaddition, when assembling the machine, the slide has to be installedproperly in that the slide can be extended in the desired direction.Also, slides may break and need to be replaced. Further, if a machine isgoing to be reconfigured with a device support that is moveable betweena position substantially within the interior 20 of the housing 12 and aposition wherein at least a portion of the device support is extendedthrough a housing opening in the rear of the machine, the slides mayneed to be repositioned in the housing to accommodate the devicesupport.

FIGS. 35-52 illustrate an exemplary embodiment that overcomes theabove-mentioned problems by providing an apparatus that allows for aquick and easy way to install and remove slides that support devicesupports. In addition, the apparatus includes first and second slides1000, 1002 that can be engaged with the housing 12 through a set ofslots to extend the device support through the front of the machine, orthe same slides can be engaged with the same set of slots to extend thedevice support through the rear of the machine.

In this embodiment, the first and second slides 1000, 1002 may beconfigured to support components of the machine 10 such as printers,check acceptors, and recycler modules on the rollout tray 80. However,the slides 1000, 1002 may be configured to support machine components onthe other previously mentioned rollout trays and support 580, or anyother device support that is moveable between a position substantiallywithin the interior 20 of the housing 12 and a position wherein at leasta portion of the device support is extended through a housing opening.The exemplary slides 1000, 1002 may be removably mounted to wallportions 1004R, 1004L of associated walls of the housing 12. Eachportion may be a separate piece that is within the housing.Alternatively, each wall portion may be formed in one piece with asidewall or interior wall associated with the housing. The example rightwall portion 1004R (best seen in FIG. 37) of the right sidewall 16, orother wall, is a mirror image of the left wall portion 1004L (best seenin FIGS. 40 and 41) of the left sidewall 14 or other wall. The rightwall portion 1004R includes a pair of slots, which are referred toherein as front slot 1006 and rear slot 1008 as depicted in FIG. 37.

Referring to FIG. 38, the example front slot 1006 is generally invertedL-shaped and includes a horizontally extending upper leg portion 1010and a vertically extending lower leg portion 1012. The upper leg portion1010 extends a further distance in the rearward direction (relative tothe front of the machine housing) than the lower leg portion 1012. Theupper leg portion 1010 is bounded by vertically extending front and rearends 1014, 1016, and horizontally extending top and bottom ends 1018,1020. The front and rear ends 1014, 1016 are interconnected to eachother by the top end 1018. The bottom end 1020 extends forwardly fromthe rear end 1016 a distance less than the length of the top end 1018.The bottom end 1020 includes a horizontal surface 1022 that in theoperative position of the machine faces upwardly. The upper leg portion1010 is open between the bottom end 1020 and the front end 1014. Thelower leg portion 1012 is bounded by vertically extending front and rearends 1024, 1026 are interconnected by a bottom end 1028. The front end1024 of the lower leg portion 1012 is positioned forwardly offset fromthe front end 1014 of the upper leg portion 1010 to define a step 1030.In an operative position the step 1030 includes a step surface 1032 thatin the operative position of the machine faces downwardly. The lower legportion 1012 is open at its top, which is opposite of the lower legbottom end.

Referring to FIG. 39, the exemplary rear slot 1008 is a mirror image ofthe front slot and has a generally inverted L-shaped and in theoperative position includes a horizontally extending upper leg portion1034 and a vertically extending lower leg portion 1036. The upper legportion 1034 extends further in the forward direction (relative to themachine housing) than the lower leg portion 1036. The upper leg portion1034 is bounded by vertically extending front and rear ends 1038, 1040,and horizontally extending top and bottom ends 1042, 1044. The front andrear ends 1038, 1040 are interconnected to each other by the top end1042. The bottom end 1044 extends rearwardly from the front end 1038 adistance less than the length of the top end 1042. The bottom end 1044includes a horizontal surface 1046 that in the operative position facesupwardly. The upper leg portion 1034 is open between the bottom end 1044and the rear end 1040. The lower leg portion 1036 is bounded byvertically extending front and rear ends 1048, 1050 that areinterconnected by a horizontally extending bottom end 1052. The rear end1050 of the lower leg portion 1036 is positioned rearwardly offset fromthe rear end 1 040 of the upper leg portion 1034 to define a step 1054.The step includes a step surface 1056 that in the operative positionfaces downwardly. The lower leg portion 1036 is open at its top, whichis opposite the lower leg portion bottom end.

FIGS. 40 and 41 show rear and left side isometric views with respect tothe machine 10 of portions of the left wall portion 1004Lof the leftside wall 14 or other wall of the housing 12. As depicted in FIGS. 40and 41, the left wall portion 1004L includes a front slot 1058 and arear slot 1060. Referring to the rear and left side isometric view ofFIG. 41, the front slot 1058 is a generally inverted L-shape and in theoperative position includes a horizontally extending upper leg portion1062 and a vertically extending lower leg 1064. The upper leg portion1062 extends a further distance in the rearward direction than the lowerleg portion 1064. The upper leg portion 1062 is bounded by verticallyextending front and rear ends 1066, 1068, and horizontally extending topand bottom end 1070, 1072. The front and rear ends 1066, 1068 areinterconnected to each other by the top end 1070. The bottom end 1072extends forwardly from the rear end 1068 a distance less than the lengthof the top end 1070. The bottom end 1072 includes a horizontal surface1074 that in the operative position faces upwardly. The upper legportion 1062 is open between the bottom end 1072 and the front end 1066.The lower leg portion 1064 is bounded in the operative position byvertically extending front and rear ends 1076, 1078 that areinterconnected by a horizontally extending a bottom end 1079. The frontend 1076 of the lower leg portion 1064 is positioned forwardly offsetfrom the front end 1066 of the upper leg portion 1062 to define a step1080. The step includes a step surface 1082 that in the operativeposition faces downwardly. The lower leg portion 1064 is open at itstop.

Referring to the rear and left side isometric view of FIG. 40, the rearslot 1060 is a generally inverted L-shape and includes a horizontallyextending upper leg portion 1086 and a vertically extending lower legportion 1088. The upper leg portion 1086 extends further in the forwarddirection than the lower leg portion 1088. The upper leg portion 1086 isbounded by vertically extending front and rear ends 1090, 1092, andhorizontally extending top and bottom ends 1094, 1096. The front andrear ends 1090, 1092 are interconnected to each other by the top end1094. The bottom end 1096 extends rearwardly from the front end 1090 adistance less than the length of the top end 1094. The bottom end 1096includes a horizontal surface 1098 that in the operative position facesupwardly. The upper leg portion 1086 is open between the bottom end 1096and the rear end 1092. The lower leg portion 1088 is bounded in theoperative position by vertically extending front and rear ends 1100,1102 that are interconnected by a horizontally extending bottom end1104. The rear end 1102 of the lower leg portion 1088 is positionedrearwardly offset from the rear end 1092 of the upper leg portion 1086to define a step 1106. The step 1106 includes a step surface 1108 thatin the operative position faces downwardly. The lower leg portion 1088is open at its top.

Referring to FIGS. 35 and 36, the exemplary first slide 1000 includes afirst channel rail 1110 that slideably receives a second channel rail1112. The second channel rail 1112 slideably receives a third channelrail 1114. When the rollout tray 80 is in the retracted position asshown in FIG. 1, the channel rails 1110, 1112, and 1114 are retracted intelescoping relation such that all of the channel rails are positionedwithin interior of the housing 12. When the rollout tray 80 moves towardthe extended postion as shown in FIG. 2, the second channel rail 1112first slides relative to the first channel rail 1110 in engagementtherewith in the direction toward the extended position of the rollouttray 80 until it is fully extended relative to the first channel rail1110. Then, the third channel rail 1114 slides along the second channelrail 1112 in the direction toward the extended position of the rollouttray 80. The third channel rail 1114 is fully extended from the secondchannel rail 1112 when the rollout tray 80 is in the extended position.

Referring to FIGS. 42 and 43, the exemplary first channel rail 1110 hasin operative fixed engagement therewith first and second mounting tabs1116, 1118. The exemplary tabs 1116, 1118 are made of generally rigidbut deformable material such as sheet steel. As seen in FIG. 43, theexemplary first tab 1116 in the operative position extends generallyvertically. That is, a lateral axis 1120 of the first tab 1116 isvertical. The first tab 1116 includes a proximal portion 1122 thatextends outward relative to an outer side 1124 of the first channel rail1110 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis 1126 of thefirst slide 1000. The exemplary first tab 1116 also includes a distalportion 1128 that extends from the proximal portion 1122 in a firstdirection. The first direction in the example embodiment is the samedirection of movement as the rollout tray 80 moves from the extendedposition to the retracted position wherein the device is within theinterior of the housing 12. The exemplary distal portion 1128 terminatesin an end portion 1130. The end portion 1130 flares outwardly or anglesaway from the outer side 1124 of the first channel rail 1110 withincreasing relative displacement in the first direction. The exemplaryend portion 1130 allows the first tab 1116 to accommodate for acceptancein the gap bounded by the first tab, wall portions having somewhatdifferent thicknesses.

As seen in FIG. 42, the exemplary second tab 1118 in the operativeposition is oriented generally horizontally. That is, the lateral axis1134 of the second tab 1118 is horizontal. The second tab 1118 includesa proximal portion 1136 that extends outward relative to the outer side1124 of the first channel rail 1110 in a direction transverse to thelongitudinal axis 1126 of the first slide 1000. The second tab 1118 alsoincludes a distal portion 1140 that in the operative position extendsdownwardly from the proximal portion 1136. The distal portion 1140terminates at an end portion 1142. The exemplary end portion 1142 flaresoutwardly with increasing relative downward displacement away from theouter side 1124 of the first channel rail 1110. The end portion 1142bounds a gap that also allows the second tab 1118 to accommodate wallportions having somewhat different thickness.

Referring to FIGS. 47 and 48, the exemplary second slide 1002 includes afirst channel rail 1144 that slideably receives a second channel rail1146. The second channel rail 1146 slideably receives a third channelrail 1148. When the rollout tray 80 is in the retracted position asshown in FIG. 2, the channel rails 1144, 1146, and 1148 are retracted intelescoping relation such that all of the rails are positioned withininterior of the housing 12. When the rollout tray 80 moves toward theextended position as shown in FIGS. 47 and 48.the second channel rail1146 first slides along in supported connection with first channel rail1144 in the direction toward the extended position of the rollout tray80 until it is fully extended from the third channel rail 1148. Then,the third channel rail 1148 slides along the second channel rail 1146 inthe direction toward the extended position of the rollout tray 80. Thethird channel rail 1148 is fully extended from the second channel rail1146 when the rollout tray 80 is in the extended position.

Referring to FIGS. 44 and 45, the exemplary first channel rail 1144 ofthe second slide 1002 is in operatively fixed engagement with first andsecond mounting tabs 1150. 1152. The tabs 1150, 1152 are made ofgenerally rigid but deformable material such as sheet steel. Referringto the rear and left side isometric view of FIG. 44, the exemplary firsttab 1150 is oriented generally vertically in the operative position.That is, the lateral axis 1154 of the first tab 1150 is vertical. Thefirst tab 1150 includes a proximal portion 1156 that extends in adirection away from the outer side 1158 of the first channel rail 1144in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis 1160 of the secondslide 1002. The exemplary first tab 1150 also includes a distal portion1162 that extends from the proximal portion 1156 in a first directionand bounds a gap. The first direction is the same direction of movementof the rollout tray 80 from the extended position to the retractedposition within the interior of the housing 12. The distal portion 1162terminates into an end portion 1164. The exemplary end portion 1164flares outwardly away from the outer side 1158 of the first channel rail1144 with increasing distance in the first direction. The angled endportion 1164 allows the first tab 1150 to accommodate wall portionshaving different thicknesses.

Referring to the rear and left side isometric view of FIG. 45, theexemplary second tab 1152 is oriented generally horizontally in theoperative position. That is, the lateral axis 1166 of the second tab1152 is horizontal. The second tab 1152 includes a proximal portion 1168that extends outwardly away from the outer side 1158 of the firstchannel rail 1144 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis1160 of the second slide 1002. The second tab 1152 also includes adistal portion 1170 that extends downwardly from the proximal portion1168 in the operative position. The distal portion 1170 terminates in anend portion 1172. The exemplary end portion 1172 flares outwardly andangles downwardly and away from the outer side 1158 of the first channelrail 1144. The end portion 1172 allows the gap bounded by the second tabto accommodate wall portions having somewhat different thickness.

The exemplary first slide 1000 is removably mounted to the right wallportion 1004R in a front-load configuration of the machine 10 in whichthe rollout tray 80 and device supported thereby moves forwardly throughthe front opening 22 of the housing 12 from the retracted position tothe extended position. As represented in FIG. 43, when the first slide1000 is operatively engaged with the right wall portion 1004R, the firsttab 1116 extends in and engages the rear slot 1008. The proximal portion1122 of the first tab 1116 extends in the lower leg 1036 portion of therear slot 1008 and the distal portion 1128 extends rearwardly beyond therear end 1050 of the lower leg. The gap bounded by distal portion 1128engages an outer side surface 1132 of the right wall portion 1004R thatunderlies inner surface 1174 of the first tab 1116. In this position, anouter side surface 1124 of the first channel rail 1110 engages an innerside surface 1176 of the right wall portion 1004R. This arrangementprovides firm yet releasable engagement of the slide and wall, and helpsprevent horizontal movement transverse to the longitudinal axis 1126 ofthe first slide 1000. Also, the rear end 1050 of the slot engages theinner surface 1174 of the first tab 1116 to help prevent the first slide1000 from moving further rearwardly. Bottom end 1178 of the first tab1116 engages the bottom end 1052 of the lower leg portion 1036 to helpprevent the first slide 1000 from moving downwardly. Also, in thisposition, the horizontal step surface 1056 (FIG. 39) of the step 1054 ofthe slot extends above top end 1180 of the first tab 1116. The step 1054of the slot may be configured to be in close proximity to the top end1180 or alternatively engage the top end 1180 of the tab to prevent thefirst tab 1116 from moving upwardly and thus prevent the first slide1000 when in engaged relation from moving vertically relative to thewall portion. This feature may be especially useful because theextension of the rollout tray 80 out of the machine 10 in somearrangements tends to cause the end of the first slide 1000 furthestaway from the opening of the housing 12 through which the tray isextended to move upwardly.

As seen in FIG. 42, in the example arrangement when the first slide 1000is mounted in engaged relation with the right wall portion 1004R, thesecond tab 1118is in engaged relation with the front slot 1006. Inparticular, the proximal portion 1136 of the second tab 1118 extends inthe upper leg portion 1010 of the front slot 1006 and the distal portion1140 of the second tab 1118 extends downwardly beyond the bottom end1020 of the upper leg portion 1010. The gap bounded by distal portion1140 accepts and engages the outer side surface 1132 of the right sidewall portion 1004R at the inner surface 1182 of the second tab 1118. Thetab may be deformed from its original position so that spring force isapplied by the tab to hold the slide in the operative position relativeto the wall. An outer side 1124 surface operatively associated with thefirst channel rail 1110 engages the inner side 1176 of the right wallportion 1004R. This arrangement helps prevent horizontal movementtransverse to the longitudinal axis 1126 of the first slide 1000. Also,part of the horizontal surface 1022 of the bottom end 1020 engages theinner surface 1182 of the second tab 1118 to help prevent the firstslide 1000 from moving downwardly. The second tab 1118 is also spacedforwardly from the rear end 1016 of the upper leg portion 1010, andspaced rearwardly from the front end 1024of the lower leg 1012.

To install the exemplary first slide 1000 in engagement with to theright wall portion 1004R, the first tab 1116 is inserted through therear slot 1008 and the second tab 1118 is inserted through the upper legportion 1010 of the front slot 1006. The first slide 1000 is then moveddownwardly until the second tab 1118 engages the horizontal surface 1022of the bottom end 1020 of the upper leg portion 1010. Then, the firstslide 1000 is moved rearwardly until the first tab 1116 engages the rearend 1050 of the lower leg portion 1036 of the rear slot 1008. This holdsthe slide in position where it is supported by bottom ends 1020 and1052. Step 1054 prevents the inner end of the slide from movingvertically when the tray is extended. The configuration of the exemplaryspring-like tabs hold the slide firmly engaged with the wall. To removethe first slide 1000 from engagement with the right wall portion 1 004R,the first slide 1000 is moved forwardly until the step 1054 is not overthe top end 1180 of the first tab 1116. Then, the first slide 1116 ismoved upwardly and away from the right bracket 1004R to withdraw thetabs 1116, 1118 from their respective slots 1006, 1008.

The second slide 1002 is removably engaged with the left wall portion1004L of a front loaded machine (FIG. 2) in which the rollout tray 80moves forwardly through the front opening 22 of the housing 12 from theretracted position to the extended position.

As seen in the rear and left side isometric view of FIG. 44, when thesecond slide 1002 is engaged with the left wall portion 1004L, the firsttab 1150 extends in and engages the rear slot 1060. The proximal portion1156 of the first tab extends through the lower leg portion 1088 of therear slot 1060, and the distal portion 1162 extends rearwardly beyondthe rear end 1102 (FIG. 40) of the lower leg portion 1088. The distalportion 1162 accepts the wall portion adjacent the slot in the gapbounded thereby and engages the outer side surface 1196 of the left wallportion 1004L at the inner surface 1188 of the first tab 1150. The outerside surface 1196 operatively connected to the first channel rail 1144engages the inner side 1190 of the left wall portion 1004L. Thisarrangement helps prevent horizontal movement transverse to thelongitudinal axis 1160 of the second slide 1002. Also, the rear end 1102engages the inner surface 1188 of the first tab 1150 to prevent thesecond slide 1002 from moving rearwardly. Bottom end 1192 of the firsttab 1150 engages the bottom end 1104 of the lower leg portion 1088 tohelp prevent the second slide 1002 from moving downwardly. Also, in thisposition, the horizontal surface 1108 of the step 1106 extends over topend 1194 of the first tab 1150. This step 1106 may be in close proximityto the top end 1194 or alternatively engage the top end 1194 to preventthe first tab 1150 from moving upwardly and thus prevent the secondslide 1002 from moving upwardly. This feature may be useful because theextension of the rollout tray 80 out of the machine 10 tends to causethe end of the second slide portion 1002 furthest away from the openingto the interior of the housing 12, to move upwardly.

As seen in FIG. 45, when the second slide 1002 is mounted to the leftwall portion 1004L, the second tab 1152 extends in the front slot 1058.The proximal portion 1168 of the second tab 1152 extends through theupper leg portion 1062 of the front slot 1058 and the distal portion1170 of the second tab 1152 extends downwardly beyond the bottom end1072 of the upper leg portion 1062. The distal portion 1170 accepts aportion of the wall adjacent the slot into the gap and engages the outerside surface 1196 of the left wall portion 1004Lat the inner surface1198 of the second tab 1152. The outer side surface 1158 in operativeconnection with the first channel rail 1144, engages the inner sidesurface 1190 of the left wall portion 1004L. This arrangement helpsprevent horizontal movement transverse to the longitudinal axis of thesecond slide 1002. Also, part of the horizontal surface 1074 of thebottom end 1072 engages the second tab 1152 to help prevent the secondslide 1002 from moving downwardly. The second tab 1152 is also spacedforwardly from the rear end 1068 of the upper leg 1062, and spacedrearwardly from the front end 1076 of the lower leg 1064.

To install the second slide 1002 in engagement with the left wallportion 1004L, the first tab 1150 is extended in the rear slot 1060 andthe second tab 1152 is extended in the upper leg portion 1062 of thefront slot 1058. The second slide 1002 is the moved downwardly until theinner surface 1198 of second tab 1152 engages the horizontal surface1074 of the bottom end 1072 of the upper leg portion 1062. Then, thesecond slide 1002 is moved rearwardly until the second tab 1152 engagesthe rear end 1102 of the lower leg portion 1088 of the rear slot 1060.The second slide is held in firm fixed releasable engagement with thewall portion. To remove the second slide 1002 from engagement with theleft wall portion 1004L, the second slide 1002 is moved forwardly untilthe step 1106 is not over the top end 1194 of the first tab 1150. Then,the second slide 1002 is moved upwardly and away from the left wallportion 1004L to withdraw the tabs 1150, 1152 from their respectiveslots 1060, 1058. The second slide 1002 is removably mounted to theright wall portion 1004R (as best depicted i n FIGS. 47 and 48) in arear load configuration of the machine or a machine i n which therollout tray 80 moves rearwardly through a rear opening 1195 of thehousing 12 from the retracted position to the extended position asrepresented in FIG. 46. As shown in FIG. 49, when the second slide 1002is mounted to the right wall portion 1004R, the first tab 1150 engagesthe front slot 1006. In particular, the proximal portion 1156 of thefirst tab 1150 extends in the lower leg portion 1012 of the front slot1006 and the distal portion 1162 extends forwardly beyond the front end1024 of the lower leg portion 1012 such that the wall portion adjacentthe slot extends in the gap bounded by the tab. The distal portion 1162engages the outer side surface 1132 of the right wall portion 1004R atthe inner surface 1188 of the first tab 1150, and the outer side 1158 ofthe first channel rail 1144 engages the inner side 1176 (FIG. 47) of theright wall portion 1004R. This arrangement helps prevent horizontalmovement transverse to the longitudinal axis 1160 of the second slide1002. Also, the front end 1024 engages the inner surface 1188 of thefirst tab 1150 to help prevent the second slide 1002 from moving forwardrelative to the wall portion. The bottom end 1192 of the first tab 1150engages the bottom end 1028 of the lower leg portion 1012 to helpprevent the second slide 1002 from moving downwardly. Also, in thisposition, the horizontal step surface 1032 of the step 1030 extends overthe top end 1194 of the first tab 1150. This step 1030 may be in closeproximity to the top end 1194 or alternatively may engage the top end1194 to prevent the first tab 1150 from moving upwardly and thus preventthe second slide 1002 from moving vertically. This feature is especiallyuseful because the extension of the rollout tray 80 out of the machinetends to cause the end of the second slide 1002 furthest away from theopening to the interior of the housing 12 through which the tray isextended to move upwardly.

As seen in FIG. 50, when the second slide 1002 is mounted to the rightwall portion 1004R, the second tab 1152 engages the rear slot 1008. Inparticular, the proximal portion 1168 of the second tab 1152 extendsthrough the upper leg portion 1034 of the rear slot 1008 and the distalportion 1170 of the second tab 1152 extends downwardly beyond the bottomend 1044 of the upper leg portion 1034 such that the wall portionadjacent the slot extends in the gap bounded by the tab. The distalportion 1170 engages the outer side surface 1132 of the right wallportion 1004R at the inner surface 1198 of the second tab 1152, and theouter side surface 1158 in operative connection with the first channelrail 1144 engages the inner side 1176 (FIG. 47) of the right wallportion 1004R. This exemplary arrangement helps prevent horizontalmovement transverse to the longitudinal axis 1160 of the second slide1002. Also, part of the horizontal surface 1046 of the bottom end 1044engages the inside surface of the second tab 1152 to help prevent thesecond slide 1002 from moving downwardly. The exemplary second tab 1152is also spaced forwardly from the front end 1038 of the upper legportion 1034, and spaced rearwardly from the rear end 1050 of the lowerleg portion 1036.

To engage the second slide 1002 to the right wall portion 1004R, thefirst tab 1150 is extended through the front slot 1006 and the secondtab 1152 is extended through the upper leg portion 1034 of the rear slot1008. The second slide 1002 is then moved downwardly until the secondtab 1152 engages the horizontal surface 1046 of the bottom end 1044 ofthe upper leg portion 1034. Then, in the exemplary method the secondslide 1002 is moved forwardly until the first tab 1150 engages the frontend 1024 of the lower leg portion 1012 of the front slot 1006. The slideis thus held in engaged relation with the wall portion. To remove thesecond slide 1002 from engagement with the right wall portion 1004R, thesecond slide 1002 is moved rearwardly until the step 1030 is not inoverlying relation to the top end 1194of the first tab 1150. Then, thesecond slide 1002 is moved upwardly and away from the right wall portion1004R to withdraw the tabs 1150, 1152 from their respective slots 1006,1008.

The first slide 1000 is removably mounted to the left wall portion 1004Lof a rear load machine or in configuration of the machine 10 in whichthe rollout tray 80 moves outwardly through the rear opening 1195 of thehousing 12 from the retracted position to the extended position (FIG.46). As seen in the rear and left side isometric view of FIG. 52, whenthe first slide 1000 is mounted on the left wall portion 1004L, thefirst tab 1116 extends in the front slot 1058. In particular, theproximal portion 1122 of the first tab 1116 extends through the lowerleg portion 1064 of the front slot 1058 and the distal portion 1128extends forwardly beyond the front end 1076 of the lower leg portion1064 such that the wall adjacent the slot extends in the gap bounded bythe tab. The distal portion 1128 engages the outer side surface 1196 ofthe left wall portion 1004L at the inner surface 1174 of the first tab1116, and the outer side surface 1124 in operative connection with firstchannel rail 1110 engages the inner side 1190 of the left wall portion1004L. This arrangement helps prevent horizontal movement transverse tothe longitudinal axis 1126 of the first slide 1000. Also, the front end1076 engages the inner surface 1174 of the first tab 1116 to helpprevent the first slide 1000 from moving forwardly. The bottom end 1178of the first tab 1116 engages the bottom end 1179 of the lower legportion 1064 to help prevent the first slide 1000 from movingdownwardly. Also, in this position, the horizontal step surface 1082 ofthe step 1080 extends in overlying relation of the top end 1180 of thefirst tab 1116. The step 1080 may be in close proximity to the top end1180 or alternatively may engage the top end 1180 to prevent the firsttab 1116 from moving upwardly and thus prevent the first slide 1000 frommoving vertically. This feature is useful because the extension of therollout tray 80 out of the machine tends to cause the end of the firstslide 1000 furthest away from the opening of the housing 12 throughwhich the tray is extended to move upwardly.

As seen in the rear and left side isometric view of FIG. 51, when thefirst slide 1000 is engaged with the left wall portion 1004L, the secondtab 1118 extends in the rear slot 1060. In particular, the proximalportion 1136 of the second tab 1118 extends through the upper legportion 1086 of the rear slot 1060 and the distal portion 1140 of thesecond tab 1118 extends downwardly beyond the bottom end 1096 of theupper leg portion 1086 so as to hold an area of the wall adjacent theslot in the gap bounded by the tab. The distal portion 1140 engages theouter side surface 1196 of the left wall portion 1004L at the innersurface 1182 of the second tab 1118, and the outer side surface 1124 inoperative connection with the first channel rail 1110 engages the innerside surface 1190 of the left bracket 1004L. This arrangement helpsprevent horizontal movement transverse to the longitudinal axis 1126 ofthe first slide 1000. Also, part of the horizontal surface 1098 of thebottom end 1096 engages the inner surface 1182 of the second tab 1118 tohelp prevent the first slide 1000 from moving downwardly. The secondtab1118 is also spaced rearwardly from the front end 1090 of the upperleg portion 1086, and spaced forwardly from the rear end 1102 of thelower leg portion 1088.

To engage the first exemplary slide 1000 and the left wall portion1004L, the first tab 1116 is extended in the front slot 1058 and thesecond tab 1118 is extended in the upper leg portion 1086 of the rearslot 1060. In an exemplary method, the first slide 1000 is moveddownwardly until the second tab 1118 engages the horizontal surface 1098of the bottom end 1096 of the upper leg portion 1086. Then the firstslide 1000 is moved forwardly until the first tab 1116 engages the frontend 1076 of the lower leg portion 1064 of the front slot 1058. The firstslide is thus held inoperative engagement with the wall through theaction of the tabs. To remove the first slide 1000 from the left wallportion 1004L. The first slide 1000 is moved rearwardly until the step1080 is not in overlying relation of the top end 1180 of the first tab1116. Then, the first slide 1000 is moved upwardly and away from theleft wall portion 1004L to withdraw the tabs 1116, 1118 from theirrespective slots 1058, 1060. The exemplary tabs 1116, 1118, 1150. and1152 are configured such that the gaps bounded thereby are in closetolerance with the thickness of their associated wall portions, and onceengaged the exemplary tabs utilize the resilient properties of theexemplary material to provide a spring type clamping force on the areaof the wall in the gap which tends to hold the associated slide inengagement with the bracket.

Alternatively, the first slide may be configured to be removably mountedto the right wall portion and the second slide may be removably mountedto the left wall portion in both the front load and rear loadconfigurations. In this arrangement, the first slide may include firstand second tabs that engage rear and front slots, respectively, of theright wall portion in the front load configuration. In the rear loadconfiguration, the first and second tabs of the first slide engage thefront and rear slots, respectively, of the right wall portion. In thisarrangement, the second slide may include first and second tabs thatengage rear and front slots, respectively, of the left wall portion inthe front load configuration. In the rear loaded configuration .thefirst and second tabs of the second slide engage the front and rearslots, respectively, of the left wall portion.

In the exemplary embodiment, the slots are configured to be generallymirror images of one another. This facilitates the configuration of theautomated banking machine such that the slides and the device supportingrollout tray which is attached thereto can be readily configured suchthat the tray can be extended from an opening at the front of thehousing or alternatively from the rear of the housing. However, itshould be understood that in other example embodiments the principlesdiscussed herein may be applied to slots that are not mirror image orsymmetric configurations. In addition, in the exemplary embodiment theslots are formed in the wall portions, while the tabs are in operativelyfixed connection with the slides. In other exemplary embodiments, thisconfiguration may be changed. For example, in some example embodimentsthe slots may in operatively fixed connection with the slides, and thetabs may be in operatively fixed connection with the wall portions.Alternatively in other embodiments, a tab and slot may be associatedwith a single slide, while an engagingly configured slot and tab may bein operatively fixed connection with the adjacent wall portion. Further,it should be understood that while in the exemplary embodiment eachslide includes two contact points, including interengaging tabs andslots which hold the respective slide in engagement with a wall portion,in other embodiments other arrangements may be used. This may includefor example a single interengaging tab and slot for each slide. Thismight be used for example where the tray or slide structure is supportedwithin the machine by other structures. This might include for example abracket which supports the slides in an area away from the interengagingtab and slots. Similarly in other alternative embodiments, each slidemay include more than two interengaging tab and slot arrangements. Ascan be appreciated, numerous configurations may be achieved using theprinciples described herein.

Further, while the exemplary embodiment has discussed the use of twoslides disposed from one another that support a tray that can beextended from the machine, other embodiments may use otherconfigurations. This might include for example a single slide which issufficient to hold a tray which can be extended out of the machine.Further in other embodiments, trays may include two or more verticallydisposed slides engaged with a wall portion. A tray operative to hold atransaction function device may be engaged with both of the verticallydisposed slides which are attached to generally the same wall. This willenable the tray and the associated device to be extended out of anopening from the machine.

In the exemplary embodiment described, the configuration of the tabs andslots are such that the slides may be attached to the wall portions byengaging the tabs in the slots and moving the slide so as to positionthe tabs in the desired position relative to the slots. Because of theengaging force of the exemplary tabs holding the wall portion adjacentto the slots in the gap formed by the tabs, there may be no need to haveany additional fasteners or other devices for holding the tabs inengagement with the wall portion. However, in some embodiments it may bedesirable to have such fasteners. Such fasteners may have various forms.For example in some embodiments a surface associated with a slide mayinclude an aperture which can accept a fastener so as to engage therespective slide in engagement with the side wall. One or more suchfasteners may prevent the slide from moving relative to the side wall,so as to prevent disengagement of the slide and tray therefrom.Alternatively in some embodiments, a spring loaded plunger typestructure may be used to engage an aperture either in the slide or theside wall. Engagement of a plunger in the aperture may likewise preventrelative movement of the slide unless the plunger has been retractedfrom engagement with the aperture. Alternatively and/or in addition,projections in operative connection with either the slide or side wallmay engage corresponding openings or apertures in the opposite structurein a manner that prevents relative movement of the slide so as to causethe slide to disengage. Again in this case, the projection may bemovable so as to disengage and allow the slide to be moved. Numerousdifferent releasable fastening arrangements may be applied, holding theslides in engagement with the walls in various embodiments.

Of course it should be understood that while in the exemplaryembodiments the slide and tray structures discussed have been used inconnection with supporting devices from vertically extending side walls,the principles described herein may also be utilized in connection withsupporting structures from horizontally or other types of walls withinan automated banking machine. For example, one or more slides may beutilized to support a tray structure associated with a device inoperatively supported connection with a horizontally extending top wallof the chest. This might include for example a processor or other devicewhich is positioned within an upper portion of the housing.Alternatively and/or in addition, one or more such structures may beutilized in connection with supporting a device in movably mountedconnection with a horizontal structure at the top, bottom orintermediate portion of the housing. In addition it should be understoodthat while exemplary structures have a generally fixed base of a slidestructure in connection with a wall of a machine other arrangements mayassociate the base of the slide structure with the tray or devicehousing so that the base of the slide is movable with the tray and thedevice. Further it should be understood that while movable traystructures and supporting devices may be often used in an upper housingportion of an automated banking machine, such structures may also beutilized within the chest portion of a machine.

As can be appreciated, an advantage of exemplary embodiments may includethe ability to use a common housing structure for both front load andrear load automated banking machines. This may facilitate assembly in afactory environment, such that assembly line workers may engage theslides in connection with the slots and position the slidesappropriately so as to firmly hold the slides in engagement with thewalls or other supporting structures. The trays supporting the devicescan then be engaged with the slides so as to facilitate extending thedevices outward through an opening from the housing as is appropriatefrom the machine. For example, in the front load machine the slidesindividually or as part of a tray assembly may be moved to extend tabsinto the slots in the manner previously described, with the tabspositioned relative to the slots so as to achieve a firm engagementbetween the tabs, the slides, and the walls of the enclosure. Inexemplary embodiments the symmetrical configuration will enableconstruction of the machine so as to allow the tray to be extended fromeither an opening on the front of the housing or an opening on the backof the housing, as may be appropriate for the particular machine. Insome situations, housing might have openings at both the front and theback. As can be appreciated for example, a similar housing may be usedfor a front load machine where a fascia associated with the userinterface is movably mounted relative to the machine. One or more traysto support devices within the machine may be movably mounted so as toextend through the front opening of the housing. Likewise, a rear loadmachine may include a fascia that is infixed relation to the front ofthe housing. The housing may include a door controlled by a lock. Thedoor may be opened from the rear of the housing. In such a rear loadconfiguration, trays can be extended through the rear opening of thehousing when the access door is open. Instill other embodiments, thefascia may be movable away from the housing, for example supported ontray structures like those described in the exemplary embodiment. Therear of the housing may also have a door which can be opened. In suchconfigurations, trays may be configured to be extendable from either thefront opening or the rear opening. Of course these approaches areexemplary, and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

Also, sometimes after a machine has been deployed, it may be desirableto change devices that are utilized in the machine. This may include forexample adding devices to the machine that were not originally includedat the time of manufacture. This might include for example adding adevice that can accept and image checks. It may alternatively includefor example adding a device that can both accept and dispense currencybills. Alternatively, a change in devices may include adding a coindispenser. a passbook printer, or other devices not originally presentin the machine. Alternatively, such modifications may involve removing adevice that was installed at the time of manufacture, and replacing itwith a different device.

The principles described may be applied in such circumstances tofacilitate the reconfiguration of such machines in the field. This maybe done by including slot structures in the wall portions at appropriatepositions for many different types of configurations of devices thatmight be possible for a given housing structure. For example, althoughthe machine may not be originally manufactured to include a checkacceptor, slots may be included in the wall portions to support slideswhich support a check acceptor should one need to be installed in thefuture. By anticipating the range of different devices that may beinstalled within the machine, a field service technician may readilymove existing slide and tray structures which support different types ofdevices. and relocate and install different ones as appropriate. Thusthe time and effort associated with installing new devices and/orreconfiguring the machine to remove and include different devices may bereduced. Numerous different approaches and benefits may be achievedusing the principles described herein.

Thus the automated banking machines and systems of the exemplaryembodiments may achieve one or more of the above stated objectives,eliminate difficulties encountered in the use of prior devices andsystems, solve problems and attain the desirable results describedherein.

In the foregoing description certain terms have been used for brevity,clarity and understanding, however no unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom because such terms are for descriptive purposes andare intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the descriptions andillustrations herein are by way of examples and the invention is notlimited to the details shown and described.

In the following claims any feature described as a means for performinga function shall be construed as encompassing any means capable ofperforming the recited function, and shall not be deemed limited to theparticular means shown in the foregoing description or mere equivalentsthereof.

Having described the features, discoveries and principles of theinvention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated, and theadvantages and useful results attained; the new and useful structures,devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems,equipment, operations, methods, processes and relationships are setforth in the appended claims.

1. An automated banking machine comprising: a housing having at leastone opening; a device located in the housing; a rollout tray coupledwith the housing and located in a first position in the housing, therollout tray at least partially supporting the device; first and secondslides coupled with the housing and coupled with the rollout tray, thefirst and second slides each releasably coupled with the housing byengagement of at least one tab and at least one slot, the first andsecond slides moveable relative to the housing and through the at leastone opening in the housing between the first position wherein therollout tray is located in the housing and a second position wherein therollout tray is located at least partially outside of the housing;wherein the rollout tray is moveable with the slides in a longitudinaldirection between the first position and the second position, andwherein the at least one tab and at least one slot of the first andsecond slides are engageable and disengageable responsive to relativemovement of the at least one tab with respect to at least one slotgenerally along the longitudinal direction.
 2. The apparatus accordingto claim 1 wherein the rollout tray is movable along a longitudinaldirection between the first position and the second position, andwherein the at least one tab and at least one slot are engageable anddisengageable responsive to relative movement of the tab and slotgenerally along the longitudinal direction.
 3. The apparatus accordingto claim 1 wherein one of the housing and the slide is in operativelyfixed connection with a second tab and the other housing and the slideis in operatively fixed connection with the second slot, wherein thesecond tab and the second slot are releasably engageable, and whereinthe first tab in the first slot and the second tab in the second slotare respectively engageably configured to hold the slide in operativeengagement with the housing in the first configuration, and wherein thefirst tab in the second slot and the second tab in the first slot arerespectively engageably configured to hold the slide in operativeengagement with the housing in the second configuration.
 4. Theapparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first and second slides areconfigured to be engaged with the housing and disengaged from thehousing without the use of tools.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 3wherein the first slot includes an end bounding the first slot, whereinthe end bounding the first slot extends generally transverse to a firstdirection, wherein the first direction generally corresponds to thedirections of movement of the rollout tray between the first and secondpositions, wherein with the slide mounted in the first configuration,the first tab is engaged with the end bounding the first slot, andwherein the end bounding the first slot is operative to prevent movementof the slide in a second direction, wherein the second directiongenerally corresponds to movement of the rollout tray in the firstconfiguration of the slide from the first position toward the secondposition.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first slotincludes a step portion bounding the first slot, wherein with the slidemounted in the first configuration, the step portion bounding the firstslot is engageable with the first tab to prevent the first tab frommoving transverse of the first direction in the first slot.
 7. Theapparatus according to claim 6, wherein with the slide mounted in thefirst configuration, the step portion is operative to prevent the firsttab from moving upwardly relative to the first slot.
 8. The apparatusaccording to claim 6 wherein the second slot includes an end boundingthe second slot, wherein the end bounding the second slot extendsgenerally transverse to the first direction, wherein with the slidemounted in the second configuration, the first tab is engaged with theend bounding the second slot, wherein the end bounding the second slotis operative to prevent movement of the slide in a third direction,wherein the third direction corresponds to movement of the rollout trayin the second configuration of the slide from the second position towardthe first position.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein thesecond slot includes a step portion bounding the second slot, whereinwith the slide mounted in the second configuration, the step portionbounding the second slot is engaged with the first tab to prevent thefirst tab from moving transverse of the first direction.
 10. Theapparatus according to claim 9, wherein with the slide mounted in thesecond configuration, the step portion of the second slot is operativeto prevent the first tab from moving upwardly relative to the secondslot.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the housingincludes a wall portion, and wherein the wall portion includes the firstslot, wherein the first tab includes a proximal portion and a distalportion, wherein in the engaged condition of the slide and the housing,the proximal portion extends in the first slot and the distal portion isoperative to extend in the second direction beyond the first slot andengages the wall portion.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 11wherein one of the housing and the slide is in operatively fixedconnection with a second tab, and the other of the housing and the slideis in operatively fixed connection with a second slot, wherein thesecond tab includes a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein inthe engaged condition of the slide and the housing, the proximal portionof the second tab extends in the second slot in generally the firstdirection and the distal portion of the second tab extends in a thirddirection transverse to the first direction.
 13. The apparatus accordingto claim 12, wherein the second tab is in operatively fixed connectionwith the slide and the second slot extends in the first wall portion,and wherein the distal portion of the second tab engages the wallportion.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the distalportion of the first tab bounds a first gap, and wherein in the engagedposition of the housing and the slide, the wall portion extends in thefirst gap.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the distalportion of the second tab bounds a second gap, wherein in the engagedposition of the slide and the housing, the first wall portion extends inthe second gap.
 16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein theslide and the housing are changeable between a mounted engaged positionand a disengaged position responsive at least in part to relativemovement in the first direction of the slide and the housing.
 17. Theapparatus according to claim 13 wherein the housing includes a secondwall portion, wherein the second wall portion is disposed from andgenerally parallel to the wall portion, and further including anotherslide, wherein the another slide is in operative connection with therollout tray, and wherein the another slide is in operatively fixedconnection with a third tab and a fourth tab, wherein the second wallportion includes a third slot and a fourth slot, and wherein the thirdtab and the third slot and the fourth tab and the fourth slot areconfigured to respectively engage each other to releasably mount theanother slide in operative engagement with the housing when the firstslide is in the first configuration, and wherein the third tab and thefourth slot and the fourth tab and the third slot are configured toengage each other to mount the another slide in operative engagementwith the housing when the first slide is in the second configuration.18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the housing includes achest portion and wherein the wall portion and the second wall portionextend above the chest portion, and wherein the chest portion includesat least a portion of a cash dispenser positioned therein.
 19. Apparatuscomprising: a rollout tray configured to operatively support at leastone device of an automated banking machine that includes a housinghaving a first opening and a second opening, a pair of slides; whereinthe pair of slides operatively support the rollout tray; wherein thepair of slides are releasably mountable with the housing through anarrangement in which one of the housing and the pair of slides is inoperatively fixed connection with tabs and the other of the housing andthe pair of slides is in operatively fixed connection with slots,wherein each slot is configured to receive a tab; wherein thearrangement allows the pair of slides to be releasably mounted with thehousing in both a first orientation and in a second orientation, whereinin the first orientation the pair of slides allow the rollout tray tomove in a first direction from a first position to a second position;and wherein in the first position the rollout tray is located within thehousing, and wherein in the second position at least a portion of therollout tray extends outside of the housing through the first opening.20. An apparatus comprising: a pair of slides; wherein the pair ofslides operatively support a rollout tray configured to operativelysupport at least one device of an automated banking machine having ahousing that includes an opening; wherein the pair of slides arereleasably mountable with the housing through an arrangement in whichthe pair of slides are in operatively fixed connection with tabs and thehousing is in operatively fixed connection with slots, wherein each slotis configured to receive a tab; wherein the arrangement allows the pairof slides to be releasably mounted with the housing in both a firstconfiguration and in a second configuration, wherein in the firstconfiguration the pair of slides allow the rollout tray to move in afirst direction from a first position to a second position; wherein inthe first position the rollout tray is located within the housing; andwherein in the second position at least a portion of the rollout trayextends outside of the housing through the opening.